The Web of Politics

A well-researched and finely detailed account of virtual politics today. * W. Lance Bennett, University of Washington *
Informative and easy to read * Political Science Quarterly *
Scores of commentators have conjured up visions of the dramatic effects the Internet is bound to have on our political life. But Richard Davis, in a lucid and detailed analysis based on far-reaching evidence, demolishes any expectations that the new technology, in and of itself, will transform American politics. Instead, he persuasively shows, point by point, how those political actors already organized to be influential in politics will continue to use those advantages in the Web-driven world of today and tomorrow. * Timothy Cook, Williams College *
In this timely book Richard Davis probes the question of whether the Internet is a people's instrument which will dramatically increase political participation. Armed with greater access to news and information, will citizens be more fully equipped to participate in the vital processes of democratic governance? Far from it, Davis argues. Instead, the Internet will instead largely serve the interests of entrenched political actors. Davis's sobering assessment will be of interest to all specialists and citizens interested in the political role of this popular new medium. * Montague Kern, Rutgers University *