The Internet in the Arab World: Playground for Political Liberalization

Abstract

This article analyses the usage of internet in the Arap World. The level of internet usage, for what reasons and who are using it and how much the internet has been influential on the changes in the traditional Arap societies are the main points of the article. Internet in Arap countries are mostly used by young people, upper- middle and high classes, and women. In addition to search engines, e-mail, music and software downloading, the discussion boards are very popular in Arap societies. In these platforms, intense discussions take place about the taboo issues such as politics, religion and relations between sexes. These discussions, while contributing to the emergence of new understandings especially on individual level, also highlight the importance of individual’s right of election. The Blogs, becoming as popular as the discussion forums, are also apparent indications of forming private areas and awareness of personal right of election.

Keywords

Arab World, Internet, Censorship, Reform

Citation

Hofheinz, Albrecht, “The Internet in the Arab World: Playground for Political Liberalization”, International Relations, Volume 4, Issue 16 (Winter 2007- 2008), pp. 79-96.

Affiliations

• Albrecht Hofheinz, Institute for East European and Oriental Studies, University of Oslo