In The News

Can the Internet Tame Governments? – Part II

Borje Ljunggren February 11, 2011
The internet, so essential for the modern economy, is a bane for autocratic governments thin-skinned about criticism, whose minions strive to eliminate any dissident thoughts or deeds. Internet and cell phones were less widely available in 1989, and global observers can’t help but wonder if such communications might have thwarted China’s violent crackdown on student protests at Tiananmen Square....

Can the Internet Tame Governments? – Part I

James Cowie February 9, 2011
Debate rages in the West about whether the internet in authoritarian states is a tool for winning freedoms or another device for control. In the wake of Egypt’s mass protests emerged the first case of a government’s attempt to sever an entire nation from internet access. This YaleGlobal series explores governments and the internet, and which is the taming force. The first article, written by...

Egypt Violence Exposes Secret Tools of State Repression

Frank Gardner February 8, 2011
After a week of reporting on Egypt’s pro-democracy protests, international journalists abruptly became the target of harassment and attacks from plainclothes police and men expressing support for President Mubarak. Some reporters were beaten, handcuffed, interrogated – routine intimidation of ordinary citizens by police forces in nations under authoritarian rule. If intended to curtail coverage...

There’s No Stopping It

Nayan Chanda February 7, 2011
Internet and cell phones are essential tools for global business. Any attempt to cut the flow of communications invites anger, protest, confusion and embarrassing scrutiny, as it was discovered by the Mubarak government on 28 January. Egypt, hoping to hobble protesters and block international observers, ordered its internet providers to change gateway addresses and stop traffic. “The ploy failed...

Why a Nervous China Aims to Shield Citizens From Egypt News

Peter Ford February 1, 2011
The most powerful nations in the world watch helplessly as protests build in Egypt. Instability could spread throughout the Greater Middle East and deeper into Africa. China has invested heavily in the continent, and so far remains neutral, other than expressing hopes for stability, reports Peter Ford for the Christian Science Monitor. Attempting to maintain stability at home, the Chinese...

Raj to Riches

Henry Foy January 31, 2011
The Jaipur Literature Festival primarily showcases Indian authors. But some Indians have criticized the annual event for perpetuating a British colonial mindset and favoring the English language. Globally renowned Indian authors typically write in English and often no longer live in India. Festival organizers contend that they’re simply trying to help Indian literature, reach a wider audience....

WikiLeaks Fallout – Part I

Bruce Stokes January 12, 2011
About one percent of the 250,000 US State Department cables released to WikiLeaks have been published in newspapers since early December. While the official US reaction was fury, with revealed sources embarrassed, US citizens shrugged and the global public was fascinated. This two-part series, part of an ongoing special report on WikiLeaks, examines the fallout – whether the recent disclosure of...