This book exposes the ongoing tug of war between the communist party's authoritarian state power and the new networked society in the cyber space, which has been a critical centerpiece in the Chinese authorities' struggle to stay in power. The book examines the history, current situation, distinct technological means and political/legal regulations/restrictions for Internet control, unique characteristics, and the implications of their influences on the political change and social transformation of China. It illuminates the fierce competition between the communist party/authoritarian state and the new networked Chinese society by looking at how Chinese netizens make every possible effort(s) to gain access to the Internet for truth so as to make their voices and views heard. It investigates how the Chinese authorities use whatever possible technological means and political and legal regulations and restrictions to prevent that from happening. Exploring and providing in-depth analyses ofhow this new 'civil war' has been affecting and changing China's political system, the ruling communist ideology, the public's access to information as well as the expression of the public's discourse and their opinion, the author considers the impact that this battle will have on the country's future. It is relevant to policymakers and analysts in both business and government sectors, as well as scholars and research students with an interest in Asian Studies, Chinese Studies, communication, new media, political science, and sociology.

Covers a range of interrelated Internet control and anti-control topics Provides many unstudied insights into the system, process, and uniqueness of the Internet control in China Contributes to knowledge about Internet control by authorities, and anti-control by netzines in one of the world's most populous countries

Autorentext
Junhao Hong is Professor in the Department of Communication at The State University of New York at Buffalo, USA. He received his PhD in communication from University of Texas at Austin, USA. His research focuses on international communication and international politics, media and society, and impact of new media and new communication/information technology. He has published a dozen or so books and numerous research articles and book chapters.

Inhalt

Introduction.- The Interplay of Authorities and Netizens over the Internet.- The Architectural History of China's Internet.- The Challenge and Dilemma of Using the Internet for Social Development or Political Stability.- The Macro Socio-Political Control of the Internet.- The Micro Technical Control of the Internet.- Netizens' Anti-Control of the Internet.- The Chinese Netizens In The New Chinese Society.- The Enduring Impacts and Implications.- Conclusion.