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Information and American Democracy: Technology in the Evolution of Political Power

Paperback / softback

Main Details

Title Information and American Democracy: Technology in the Evolution of Political Power
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Bruce Bimber
SeriesCommunication, Society and Politics
Physical Properties
Format:Paperback / softback
Pages:286
Dimensions(mm): Height 231,Width 153
Category/GenreInternet guides and online services
ISBN/Barcode 9780521804929
ClassificationsDewey:321.80973
Audience
Professional & Vocational
Tertiary Education (US: College)
Illustrations 8 Tables, unspecified; 4 Line drawings, unspecified

Publishing Details

Publisher Cambridge University Press
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publication Date 24 February 2003
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

This book assesses the consequences of new information technologies for American democracy in a way that is theoretical and also historically grounded. The author argues that new technologies have produced the fourth in a series of 'information revolutions' in the US, stretching back to the founding. Each of these, he argues, led to important structural changes in politics. After re-interpreting historical American political development from the perspective of evolving characteristics of information and political communications, the author evaluates effects of the Internet and related new media. The analysis shows that the use of new technologies is contributing to 'post-bureaucratic' political organization and fundamental changes in the structure of political interests. The author's conclusions tie together scholarship on parties, interest groups, bureaucracy, collective action, and political behavior with new theory and evidence about politics in the information age.

Reviews

'A fascinating and timely analysis ... this is a cutting edge book that should be read by all interested in the evolution of policy-making.' The Scientific and Medical Network 'Bruce Bimber's book is very much a product of the new, post-dotcom, sobriety, but rather than simply write a backlash work that rubbishes any idea of transformation, he has managed to combine insights from US media history, political communication, public administration and democratic theory to produce a genuinely novel interpretation of the role played by what he terms the 'information infrastructure' in bringing about political change ... a highly original and provocative interpretation of the past, present and likely future of American politics ... should inspire political scientists of all kinds.' Public Administration