Authoritarian Survival in the Digital Age. Internet Access and Control in African Autocracies
Type
doctoral thesis
Date Issued
2021-09-20
Author(s)
Garbe, Lisa Marie
Abstract
Why do some autocrats tightly control internet access while others do not? Since the early days of the internet, political scientists have studied the dilemma facing authoritarian regimes in the digital age: On one hand, adopting internet technologies has become inevitable for economic growth; on the other, authoritarian governments risk losing their monopoly over information and communication when granting internet access to the broader population. To mitigate potential challenges arising from access to new information and communication technologies, some authoritarian governments strictly control internet access by censoring, blocking, or manipulating digital information flows. This thesis investigates authoritarian governments motive and capacity to exert control over internet access. Methodologically, it combines large-N statistical analyses with case studies and in-depth interviews to shed light on the ways in which authoritarian governments respond to increasing digitalisation. My research highlights the shortcomings of comparative studies treating the internet as a technical black box and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the conditions under which internet access and use can challenge authoritarian rule. The thesis consists of four studies that are presented in related but independent research papers. Evidence from the first study, analysing Ugandas presidential elections in 2016, suggests that opposition supporters benefit from internet access to report about electoral malpractice and mobilise support; at the same time, opposition supporters with higher internet access face greater risk of electoral violence. In another set of studies, I focus on the role of internet service provider (ISP) ownership in shaping a governments capacity to exert control over internet access. The second study theorises the way in which ownership reflects state-business relations and demonstrates that state ownership is negatively associated with democratisation. The third study zooms into the determinants of ISP ownership and finds that authoritarian governments that rely on repression of their population attract more foreign investors from other autocracies. Finally, the fourth study investigates the effects of ISP state ownership. The results suggest that state ownership of ISPs facilitates the blocking internet access during politically contested times, yet also point to further mechanisms of government control over ISPs.
Abstract (De)
Why do some autocrats tightly control internet access while others do not? Since the early days of the internet, political scientists have studied the dilemma facing authoritarian regimes in the digital age: On one hand, adopting internet technologies has become inevitable for economic growth; on the other, authoritarian governments risk losing their monopoly over information and communication when granting internet access to the broader population. To mitigate potential challenges arising from access to new information and communication technologies, some authoritarian governments strictly control internet access by censoring, blocking, or manipulating digital information flows. This thesis investigates authoritarian governments motive and capacity to exert control over internet access. Methodologically, it combines large-N statistical analyses with case studies and in-depth interviews to shed light on the ways in which authoritarian governments respond to increasing digitalisation. My research highlights the shortcomings of comparative studies treating the internet as a technical black box and contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the conditions under which internet access and use can challenge authoritarian rule. The thesis consists of four studies that are presented in related but independent research papers. Evidence from the first study, analysing Ugandas presidential elections in 2016, suggests that opposition supporters benefit from internet access to report about electoral malpractice and mobilise support; at the same time, opposition supporters with higher internet access face greater risk of electoral violence. In another set of studies, I focus on the role of internet service provider (ISP) ownership in shaping a governments capacity to exert control over internet access. The second study theorises the way in which ownership reflects state-business relations and demonstrates that state ownership is negatively associated with democratisation. The third study zooms into the determinants of ISP ownership and finds that authoritarian governments that rely on repression of their population attract more foreign investors from other autocracies. Finally, the fourth study investigates the effects of ISP state ownership. The results suggest that state ownership of ISPs facilitates the blocking internet access during politically contested times, yet also point to further mechanisms of government control over ISPs.
Language
English
Keywords
Afrika
Autoritärer Staat
EDIS-5105
Authoritarian
Africa
ICT
HSG Classification
not classified
HSG Profile Area
None
Publisher
Universität St. Gallen
Publisher place
St.Gallen
Official URL
Subject(s)
Eprints ID
264400
File(s)![Thumbnail Image]()
Name
Dis5105.pdf
Size
2.5 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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