Books

Digital media and online social networking applications have changed the way in which dissent is organized with social movement leaders using online applications and digital content systems to organize collective action, activate local protest groups, network with international social movements and share their political perspectives. In the past, authoritarian regimes could control broadcast media in times of political crisis by destroying newsprint supplies, seizing radio and television stations, and blocking phone calls.

The contributors to this volume consider whether it is possible to establish carefully tailored hate speech policies that are cognizant of the varying traditions, histories, and values of different countries. Throughout, there is a strong comparative emphasis, with examples (and authors) drawn from around the world. All the authors explore whether or when different cultural and historical settings justify different substantive rules given that such cultural relativism can be used to justify content-based restrictions and so endanger freedom of expression.

Much analysis and hope in both academia and political rhetoric currently rests on ideas of deliberation and post-national democratic practices – the roots of a 'global civil society'. This has taken force as not just an analysis of social and political change, but as a normative project. This book, published by Palgrave has grown out of concern with how changes in media are influencing democratic function and politics in our global age.