Advanced Introduction to Internet Governance and Regulation: (Elgar Advanced Introductions series)

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This Advanced Introduction is an illuminating exploration of how one of the world’s most crucial technologies, the Internet, is governed and regulated at both global and national levels. Christopher S. Yoo and Alexander R. Mueller examine key governance activities, including technical standardization, management of Internet resources, and infrastructure security, as well as attempts by national governments to regulate Internet infrastructure within their borders. They also highlight the tensions between the Internet’s model of decentralized, stakeholder-based cooperation and traditional state authority. Key Features: Identifies emerging challenges to the stability of the Internet Analyzes the distinct roles of private and public actors in Internet governance Makes complex technical concepts related to the Internet’s operation accessible Provides an overview of the institutional arrangements and coordination mechanisms which keep the Internet unified, operational, and secure The Advanced Introduction to Internet Regulation and Governance is a vital resource for students, academics and researchers in information governance, intellectual property law, and internet and technology Law. It is also beneficial for technology industry professionals, civil society organizations and NGOs, and legal practitioners and policymakers, particularly those working in government regulatory agencies.

Table of Contents:
Contents 1 Introduction to Internet governance and regulation 2 What is the Internet? 3 What is Internet governance? 4 Developing Internet technical standards 5 The allocation and management of Internet identifiers 6 Governing Internet security 7 National regulation of Internet infrastructure 8 Conclusions on Internet governance and regulation

About the Author :
Christopher S. Yoo, Imasogie Professor of Law & Technology, Communication, and Computer and Information Science and Founding Director, Center for Technology, Innovation & Competition, University of Pennsylvania and Alexander R. Mueller, Research Fellow, Center for Technology, Innovation & Competition, University of Pennsylvania, USA

Review :
‘Understanding how the Internet is governed is key to understanding why the Internet is the way it is. Every aspect of the design, deployment and operation of the Internet is shaped by one or another organization that holds or claims some authority over that aspect. This book is a thorough but very accessible tour of the landscape of governance, and an excellent introduction to this critical but sometimes under-appreciated dimension.’ ‘Advanced Introduction to Internet Governance and Regulation delivers a clear and compelling exploration of the complex systems that keep the Internet stable, secure, and accessible. At a time of growing government attention to the Internet and its societal impact, this work highlights why the Internet has thrived under a decentralized, multistakeholder model of governance. By tracing the history of the Internet’s core technical standards, identifier systems, and the efforts to administer and secure them, the authors bring a clarity to the complex field of Internet governance — a topic that is often misunderstood. Having spent decades working to ensure the responsible stewardship of Internet number resources, I am particularly impressed by the book’s balanced perspective on both the achievements and challenges of Internet self-governance. It is an essential resource for anyone committed to preserving the open, global Internet for future generations.’ ‘This concise but comprehensive book is a tour de force. It is impressively written in a way that is understandable by the general public but comprehensive enough for those practitioners who want a sophisticated understanding of both the technical and policy aspects of the Internet. Balanced and authoritative, it is both a good read and a valuable resource.’