The State of Interdependence

The State of Interdependence explores the changing role of the state as a constitutional democracy in the light of the increased interdependency in cross-border activity that characterises the globalisation process. The internet serves as the instrument for investigating the effects of globalisation on the state's ability to fulfil its constitutional commitments and responsibilities. Exploring the various ways in which the USA attempts to regulate and influence the internet highlights the implications an interdependent context has on the changing role of the state in modern society. This interdisciplinary book combines legal, political science and economic approaches, and its case-study component focuses on US information policies relating to (1) the governance of the internet's domain name system, (2) global standard-setting processes, (3) the exporting of values abroad, and (4) the development of national innovative network policies.