Digital Dissidence: New Media and Democratization in Cuba

Though a causal relationship between new media and democratization remains a powerful assumption in many political spheres, its impact as a tool of liberation is empirically underdeveloped. This thesis explores the uses and effects of new information communication technology (NICT) within the authoritarian nation of Cuba, using a conceptual framework that examines six levels of analysis: individual transformation, intergroup relations, collective action, regime policy, external attention, and capacity building. While the Cuban government continues to resist information freedom, increased use of NICTs by dissidents and nongovernmental actors is fostering democratic movement and signaling small but significant change in Cuba's political dialogue.

Author

• Hill, Rebecca Hayden

Language

• en

Keyword

• Internet
• democratization
• information communication technology
• Cuba
• new media
• NICT

Date created

• 2010

Type of Work

• Master's Thesis

License

• All rights reserved

Rights statement

• In Copyright

GW Unit

• Media and Public Affairs

Degree

• M.A.

Advisor

• Waisbord, Silvio

Committee Member(s)

• Gross, Kimberly
• Phalen, Patricia

Persistent URL

•  https://scholarspace.library.gwu.edu/etd/xp68kg33d