The internet has become an integral part of many people’s lives and has undoubtedly changed the way we interact with each other. But has it also affected the way the international system works? Has it moved power away from the state towards other sets of actors, in keeping with the changing structural factors we've discussed in the past three months? Can the internet undermine the state, when it’s the state that ultimately controls its access?

‘Internet evangelists’ argue that the internet, and social media in particular, empowers individuals by allowing them to engage in new forms of ‘shared documentation’ and in coordinated actions that were previously the preserve of formal organizations. Skeptics, on the other hand, believe that the internet strengthens governments, by providing them with additional tools for monitoring and steering conversations. We begin our discussion by presenting the basic arguments of both sides of the debate. On Tuesday, we amplify the case in favor of individuals’ empowerment by considering the implications of social media for Gene Sharp’s legendary handbook of non-violent resistance. Our mid-week interactive map highlights ‘enemies of the internet’ and discusses the ramifications of restrictive internet policies. Thursday’s podcast looks into how crowds can challenge the traditional information dominance of governments, and we end our week with a discussion of the Chinese Government’s engagement in cyberspace.