CM541 : Information and Communications in International Relations

Module Aims
Information is power the old saying goes, but now we must add only for certain actors in specific contexts' "The Internet transforms McLuhan's ‘Global Village’ from 1960s' dreamware to a contemporary reality". This module examines the changing role, systems and flow of information and communication in international relations within the contemporary world. The module explores the evolution, key characteristics and implications of changes in: a) successive new communication technologies and systems, from the telegraph to the Internet. b) the socio-economic and political role of different categories of information and knowledge (the ‘info-structure’) and their implications for international relations. The module will examine how some major theorists have attempted to define the role of information and communication in international relations since the early modern period (e.g. from Adam Smith to Harold Innis, Marshall McLuhan and contemporaries such as Paul Virillio and Manuel Castells). It will also consider historical evidence and case studies related to the changing role of new communication systems and info-structures, from the early stages of modernity to the current age of the Internet and World Wide Web. The module aims to provide students with a basic understanding of how both new communication and info-structures have played an increasingly prominent role in reshaping global economic, political and cultural relationships. The module is interdisciplinary in scope, drawing from recent research and writings based in the fields of (a) international communications; (b) political economy and sociology; and (c) human geography.

Learning Outcomes
This module will provide students with a grounded introduction to: a) the key theoretical and historical material related to the changing role of communication and information in the international relations arena. b) competing models of the role and impact of new technologies in bringing about a progressive ‘annihilation of space by time’ since the industrial revolution. c) the relevance of contemporary discourses and concepts such as ‘the global information society’, ‘the network society’, ‘the Global Village’. The module will also critically engage with theories which emphasise an increasing globalisation of socio-economic and political relations linked to ‘the new information age’.

Indicative Syllabus
a) Communication technology and information in ‘space-time’ compression. Defining the role of communication networks, media & info/knowledge in international relations. Changing spaces, places, and geographies (mental and material) : the (re-) construction of technical, ‘social’ and cultural spaces.
b) Modernity and the evolution of communication networks, industries & markets. 1780-1880s: Communications and the development of the international system in C19. The media and the development of the nation state system in industrial Europe & N. America; 1880-1910s: Not only the ‘era of Imperialism’ but also of the ‘1st “multi-media wave”‘; 1918-1940s: national & international info/comms policy and regulatory issues; The growing role, new structures and flows of mediated Communication and information in IR, 1945-1985.
c) Constructing the ‘Global Village’ since late 1980s: The rise of the Internet, new ICT networks, information services and policy convergences; WTO, ‘tradable info’ flows & the new menu of ‘info society’ policy issues/stakes. An expanding [& global] ‘information economy’: Key features & spatial structures. The EU's information society and media/communication policies & initiatives. The evolving spatial base of the ‘Public Sphere’: national, European and global dimensions.
d) Info Wars?: The role of the new media networks and techniques in the conduct of war, diplomacy and propaganda in the contemporary ‘media-saturated’ world. Terrorism, security and the media - new media and old.
e) A new ‘space of flows’ and ‘death of distance’ in the ‘network society’? The structure and regulation/governance of national and global media spaces, info networks and the implications for IR. Contested visions: The UN's World Summit on the Information Society (2002-2005) Conflicting approaches to international governance/regulation of the Internet.

Reading List
Booth, K. and Dunne, T. (2002) "Worlds in Collision : Terror and the Future of Global Order". London: Palgrave
Boyd-Barrett, O. (1998) "The Globalisation of News". London: Sage
Braman, S. (ed.) (2004) "The Emergent Global Information Policy Regime". Houndmills: Palgrave
Chomsky, N. (2002) "Media Control: the spectacular Achievements of Propaganda". Seven Stories Press
Cottle, S. (Ed.) (2003) News, Public Relations and Power. Sage
Corcoran, F. and P. Preston (eds.) (1995) "Democracy and Communication in the New Europe : Change and Continuity in East and West". Hampton Press
Magdoff, H. (2003) "Imperialism Without Colonies". New York: Monthly Review Press
Mattelart, A. (2003) "The Information Society : An Introduction". London: Sage
Preston, Paschal (2001) "Reshaping Communication : Technology, Information and Social Change". London: Sage
Raboy, M. (2002) "Global Media Policy in the New Millennium". University Luton Press
Thussu, D.K. (2000) International Communication : Continuity and Change. London: Arnold
Thussu, D.K. and D. Freedman (eds.) (2003) "War and the Media : Reporting Conflict 24/7". London: Sage

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