Online collective action in China: a new integrated framework

Abstract

The Internet has stimulated academic inquiries on the political implications of the Internet revolution. A great deal of attention has been focused on the following: Has the Internet altered the nature of interaction between the state and society? Will the Internet ultimately be able to promote the democratic transition of existing authoritarian political systems? This article attempts to address these two questions based on an empirical study of the situation in China. The article explores the democratic implications of the Internet in the context of the interplay between the state and society by setting up a three-layered analytical framework, that is, the Internet as a tool for communication, the Internet as public space, and the Internet as a means for collective action. In China, the impact of the Internet on democratic transition differs at each of these three layers, depending on the interaction strategies between the state and society. W ith its origins in advanced democratic societies, the Internet has revolutionized almost every aspect of our daily lives in recent decades. It has stimulated academic inquiries on the political implications of the Internet revolution in general and on the impact of the Internet under various social, cultural, and political circumstances in particular. A great deal of attention has been focused on the questions Has the Internet altered the interaction pat-507 AUTHORS' NOTE: The authors would like to thank James Caporaso and anonymous referees for their comments and suggestions. Lye Liang Fook and Liang Rubing provided helpful research assistance, and Jessica Loon editorial assistance. Yongnian Zheng would also like to acknowledge a grant for Research and Writing from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.