Internet and the Diffusion of Contentious Politics Across National Borders

Abstract

This thesis examines how the internet affects the diffusion of contentious politics across national borders. This is done by building a theory linking the internet to the diffusion of contentious politics that is tested through an empirical analysis. Contrary to conventional wisdom, this thesis shows finds no evidence for the theory that an increase in internet users leads to an increase in diffusion of contentious politics across national borders. Other factors are likely to affect the internet's role in the diffusion of contentious politics and future research should focus on identifying those factors.