NEW: Consult the Summary Report from the 2022 Internet Governance Forum.
The book An Introduction to Internet Governance was selected as the Book of the Month for December 2017 by the United Nations Library in Geneva. Learn more.
Read this page in Spanish | French.
Although Internet governance deals with the core of the digital world, governance cannot be handled with the digital-binary logic of the true or false, or good or bad. Instead, the subject demands many subtleties and shades of meaning and perception, requiring an analogue approach, covering a continuum of options and compromises. The aim of the book An Introduction to Internet Governance, by Dr Jovan Kurbalija, is to provide a comprehensive overview of the main issues and actors in the field through a practical framework for analysis, discussion, and resolution of significant issues. Written in a clear and accessible way, supplemented with figures and illustrations, it focuses on the technical, security, legal, economic, development, sociocultural, and human rights aspects of Internet governance.
The text and approaches presented in the book have been used by DiploFoundation and many universities as a basis from training courses and capacity development programmes on Internet governance.
- Download your copy of the 7th edition
- Visit the Internet Governance blog
- Visit the Internet Governance Acronyms Glossary page
- Visit the GIP Digital Watch observatory for Internet governance and digital policy
Translations
The seventh edition of An Introduction to Internet Governance has been translated to Spanish, Russian, Chinese and Turkish. The sixth edition is available in French and Thai, and fourth in Serbian/BCS, French, Armenian and Indonesian (Bahasa Indonesia). Translated versions of an earlier version of the book, titled Internet governance: Issues, Actors and Divides, are available in French, Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Chinese, and Portuguese.
Turkish translation
(7th edition)
Chinese translation
(7th edition)
Russian translation
(7th edition)
Spanish translation
(7th edition)
Portuguese translation
(6th edition)
French translation
(6th edition)
Thai translation
(6th edition)
Armenian translation
(4th edition)
Indonesian translation
(4th edition)
Serbian translation
(4th edition)
Russian translation
(3rd edition)
Arabic translation
(1st edition)
Chinese translation
(1st edition)
French translation
(1st edition)
Portugese translation
(1st edition)
Russian translation
(1st edition)
Spanish translation
(1st edition)
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The Internet Guide for Diplomats is the first guide specifically conceived and realised to assist diplomats and others involved in international affairs to use the Internet in their work. The book includes both basic technical information about the Internet and specific issues related to the use of the Internet in diplomacy. Examples and illustrations address many common questions including web-management for diplomatic services, knowledge management and distance learning.
Cybersecurity in the Republic of Fiji
This paper discusses cybersecurity in Fiji and offers recommendations to challenges such as the vulnerability of systems due to lack of a cybersecurity framework. The poorly framed laws and lack of appropriate policies.
Une introduction à la gouvernance d’Internet
La gouvernance d’Internet n’est pas un sujet simple. Bien qu’elle traite d’une notion qui se veut être un symbole représentatif majeur du monde numérique, elle ne peut pas être abordée avec une simple logique numérique binaire qui ne reconnait que le vrai et le faux, le bon et le mauvais.
Understanding the Digital Divide
The digital divide refers to inequalities in access to and usage of technology. Factors such as income, education, geography, and age can contribute to this gap. Bridging this divide is crucial for ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals in today's technologically-driven world.
Connecting Asia and Europe | ASEF Outlook Report 2016/2017 | Volume I: Data on Connectivity
The ASEF Outlook Report 2016/2017 Volume I delves into data on various dimensions of Asia-Europe connectivity including digital, economics, sustainable development, culture, media, education, and governance.
Development Effectiveness: What Have We Learnt?
The text discusses lessons learned regarding development effectiveness.
The impact of development on a society
‘A critical activity will be information dissemination – educating people about IG issues and assisting them in formulating views and opinions that can not only be applied to their lives, but which can be communicated to national and regional leaders as appropriate.’ - Michele Marius from Jamaica
Stakeholderism in African Internet Governance: the Case of the .africa gTLD
In 2012, ICANN announced plans to delegate over 1000 new generic top level domain names, one of which was the long awaited .africa.
The World Bank’s Contribution to Poverty Reduction in Peru
Peru’s economy has improved significantly, however poverty is an imperative issue that is not progressing as expected.
E-learning at Fiji National University
In this paper, Fiji National University (FNU) was used to determine the possibility of e-learning. A new programme was chosen and a programme document was written. Based on the programme, a unit syllabus was developed. Given the infrastructure of the information and communication technology (ICT) department at FNU, this project will be deployed as a pilot project for evaluation and monitoring of e-learning research.
Work Programme on Electronic Commerce
The text outlines the World Trade Organization's work program on electronic commerce, focusing on discussions and negotiations aimed at establishing rules and frameworks to govern digital trade in the global economy.
Report of the Working Group on Internet Governance
The Working Group on Internet Governance discusses the need for international cooperation to address challenges in internet governance. They emphasize the importance of multistakeholder participation, human rights protection, and transparency in decision-making processes. The report outlines principles for effective governance, such as inclusivity, accountability, and sustainability. The Working Group calls for ongoing dialogue and collaboration among governments, private sector entities, civil society organizations, and technical communities to ensure a secure and open internet for all.
Developing ICT for youth and people in rural settings
'There is a huge need for online learning infrastructure at the national level in my country and I am sure it is the same in other small island developing states... I encourage governments to have their public servants, in particular youth to study Internet governance...' - Fuatai Purcell from Samoa
ICANN and internet governance: sorting through the debris of ‘self-regulation’
This message explores the challenges and complexities of internet governance, highlighting the need to navigate the aftermath of relying on 'self-regulation' within ICANN.
Launching an ICT campus and beyond
'I found that living in a developed economy is quite different from living in my developing country environment. Things like the Internet are taken for granted...In sub-saharan Africa, lack of the same (Internet) resources would automatically discourage me...' - John Walubengo from Kenya
EU Council conclusions on EU Digital Diplomacy
The EU Council emphasizes the urgent need for a coherent strategy in digital diplomacy amid geopolitical challenges, particularly following Russia's aggression against Ukraine. It calls for enhanced cooperation among EU Member States and global partners to uphold human rights, promote digital literacy, and foster a human-centric approach to technologies like AI. Key actions include addressing digital divides, bolstering resilience in Ukraine, and strengthening ties with Africa and other regions. The Council underlines the importance of collaboration with the tech sector and enhancing the EU’...
Access of ICT benefits for underserved rural communities in developing countries: A case study from Nepal
Policy-makers and governments in developing nations can implement more effective policies and frameworks by gaining a better understanding of the factors that support stakeholders and partners to extend the benefits of information communication technology (ICT) to rural communities. The aim of this paper is to answer the framework to follow for extending access to ICT benefits in underserved rural areas of a developing country.
Book of Abstracts (Internet Governance)
This collection of abstracts comes from from research projects conducted during the 2010/2011 Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme (IGCBP).
Creating enabling environments for access to the Internet
'In most developing countries access to the Internet for people without disabilities is an issue. Thus the thought of access to people with disabilities is rarely considered.' - Emmanuel Edet from Nigeria
Addressing the Digital Divide in the Joint Statement Initiative on E-Commerce: from enabling issues to data and source code provisions
This paper examines the evolution of the ‘digital divide’, especially in the context of the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on Electronic Commerce. As an integral part of its analysis, the paper examines textual proposals raised under the current Joint Statement Initiative (JSI) negotiations, especially those submissions on data flows, data localization, and source code. This study has been produced under a project implemented by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), in consortium with CUTS International, Geneva; BKP Economic Advisors; and InterAnalysis. It was pub...
IGCBP2011 research project summaries for EuroDIG 2011
The publication contains research project summaries written by students of the 2011 Research Phase of the Internet Governance Capacity Building Programme (IGCBP2011). The summaries were presented during EuroDIG 2011.
DDoS – Available Weapon of Mass Disruption
The increasing militarisation of cyber-space comes in response to fears of critical damage caused by digital weapons like Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS). Understanding that the botnets are the key platform behind DDoS, we compared the costs of running a large-scale attack with the approximate downtime loss in a country-scale attack in case of Serbia, showing that DDoS are readily available weapons of possible mass disruption. Taken as a whole, this paper suggests responding to risks by combating cybercrime as the DDoS enabler, rather than by militarisation.
Common African Position on the Post-2015 Development Agenda
The participatory approach that led to the elaboration of the Common African Position (CAP) on the post-2015 Development Agenda involving stakeholders at the national, regional and continental levels among the public and private sectors, parliamentarians, civil society organizations (CSOs), including women and youth associations, and academia. This approach has helped address the consultation gap in the initial preparation and formulation of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
Report of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing
Report of the Intergovernmental Committee of Experts on Sustainable Development Financing.
The use of ICT in human rights promotion: A case study of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
The paper seeks to render a critical analysis that will lead and co-ordinate a programme of promotional work across the region, including the integration of ICT strategies in its promotional work.
Australian aid: Promoting prosperity, reducing poverty, enhancing stability
The text is about Australian aid focusing on promoting prosperity, reducing poverty, and enhancing stability.
Reforms to the International Financial Architecture | Our Common Agenda Policy Brief 6
The international financial architecture is outdated and failing humanity. From egregious borrowing costs for developing countries to underinvestment in global crises like climate change and pandemics, the system is rife with inefficiencies and biases. It's a tale of two worlds, with a growing gap between the haves and have-nots, not just in wealth but in access to a secure future. The clock is ticking on ambitious reforms to make the world's financial architecture fit for the 21st century.
Dealing with cybersecurity challenges
'Various governments have come up with different interventions to address these challenges, like cybersecurity which is on the rise. The development of human resource and capacity building has been identified as one of the stumbling blocks.' - Godfrey Ahuma from Ghana
Pricing the right to education: The cost of reaching new targets by 2030
This paper shows there is an annual nancing gap of US$39 billion over 2015-2030 for reaching universal pre-primary, primary and secondary education of good quality in low and lower middle income countries.
World Summit on the Information Society and development of Internet diplomacy
The purpose of this paper is to identify new developments and innovations in diplomatic practice resultant from the WSIS and WGIG. First, the author describes the overall WSIS framework and specific aspects of the WGIG. Second, he identifies the new developments and innovation in diplomatic practice that are likely of lasting importance. The author does so by comparing WSIS diplomatic practice to the practices developed during other major UN summits held since the Rio Earth Summit in 1992.
Local hubs and the work of the RPWG
'It was also very important for me to join other members of the RPWG to be physically present at the IGF, so we could follow the implementation of the RP mechanism, working in partnership with the Secretariat... and providing assistance to the hubs.' - Marilia Maciel from Brazil
Oslo Summit: Financing Education in Developing Countries
The Oslo Summit focuses on financing education in developing countries to ensure access and quality education for all children.
Information and communications technologies for development
The text discusses the role of information and communications technologies (ICTs) in development.
Bandwidth management: the public policy approach in a university campus network
This research presents an example of how evidence-based policy-making can lead to bandwidth optimisation in a university network, giving rise to improved network performance and cost savings.
Statement on the Common Heritage of Mankind to the Internet’s critical infrastructure by Dr Alex Sceberras Trigona, Malta
Dr. Alex Sceberras Trigona raises questions about whether the Internet should be considered part of the Common Heritage of Mankind, emphasizing the need for international recognition and protection to ensure its proper management and safeguarding for current and future generations.
Global Inviolability of the Internet Root Zone (Briefing Paper #1)
Dr Kurbalija explains the internet root zone, and highlights the context and controversy of questions about its inviolability. Possible solutions identified by him include legal elements (customary law, diplomatic law, common heritage of mankind), 'software' inviolability, and 'hardware' inviolability.
The need for IG regimes and representation
‘Indeed, the Internet can be a doubleedged sword. Consequently, given man’s innate quest to have stability, reliability, and certainty in his life, governance of the Internet is only a natural evolution.' - Valmikki Singh from Guyana
Broadening the diplomatic bandwidth
‘I believe whistle-blowing websites have a greater role to play in the future of the humankind. These are a few of the issues that I became aware of through DiploFoundation, on whose blogosphere these issues continue to be debated.’ - Felix Samakande from Zimbabwe
Achieving Zero Hunger: The Critical Role of Investments in Social Protection and Agriculture
The message emphasizes the crucial role of investments in social protection and agriculture in achieving zero hunger.
Enyclopedia of International Development
The Encyclopedia of International Development is a comprehensive resource that covers a wide range of topics related to development, including theories, practices, actors, and key issues. It offers insights from various disciplines and perspectives, making it an invaluable tool for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in the field of international development.
The Role of Regional Cooperation in Eradicating Poverty and Aid Dependency in East Africa
The hypothesis of this thesis is that regional cooperation and integration are effective tools in alleviating poverty within nations and reducing their dependency on foreign or development aid.
From a Safer Internet to a Better Internet for Kids
The text is about transitioning from a safer internet to a better internet for kids.
Unpacking Global Digital Compact: Actors, Issues, and Processes
Unpacking the Global Digital Compact explores the origins and impact of the Global Digital Compact (GDC), a new UN framework adopted at the 2024 Summit of the Future to shape digital and AI governance. This book explores the GDC's complex negotiations and its role in fostering global cooperation amid diverse perspectives and diplomatic challenges. Through accessible analysis and practical insights, it serves as a vital resource for understanding how the GDC aligns digital governance with the public interest and addresses the challenges of an increasingly complex policy landscape.
E-teaching social programmes
'I had to use all possible means of getting people to participate actively in the programme... What learning style does a person have? Is it part of his or her culture or not? These were the questions for which I looked to find answers.' - Veronica Cretu from Moldova
The Rise of TechPlomacy in the Bay area
Tech diplomacy is becoming a necessity for countries worldwide. Countries need to capture the nexus between technology innovation and economic developments. To be effectively present in the Bay Area, countries need to use innovative diplomatic approaches. This report discusses how tech diplomacy can be developed, and more specifically, how countries approach the Bay Area tech industry.
Updating International Geneva to the Data-driven Era (Briefing Paper #12)
In this briefing paper, Ms Rafaela Marinho and Mr Avi Krish Bedi outline their research on how international organisations (IOs) in Geneva address and use big data in their work.
Breaks through the barriers of development
‘Capacity building is necessary to allow for equal participation... It will require all of us who have leadership positions to gain more knowledge to be able to provide, promote, and support Internet access for all.’ - Angelic Alihusain-del Castilho from Surinam
Namibia’s Digital Foreign Policy and Diplomacy (Briefing Paper #3)
This briefing paper emerged from Diplo's participation in Namibia's Foreign Policy Review Conference (July 2016). In this paper, Dr Katharina E. Höne suggests a three-pronged approach to Namibia's digital foreign policy and diplomacy, and looks at the discourse on information and communications technology (ICT) and development.
The Vulnerability of the Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean
The Small Island Developing States of the Caribbean are highly vulnerable to external economic and environmental shocks due to their small size and limited resources, which threaten their sustainability and development.
Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development
Transforming Our World: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is a comprehensive plan that outlines 17 goals aimed at ending poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring prosperity for all. It addresses challenges such as climate change, inequality, and peace and justice. The agenda emphasizes the importance of partnerships, data, and financing in achieving these goals. Implementing the agenda requires a collective effort from governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to create a more sustainable and equitable world by the year 2030.
Adoption and adaptation of e-health systems for developing nations: The case of Botswana (Research by Benson Ncube)
This paper seeks appropriate solutions to improve the access and capability of the health delivery systems in Botswana. The research reveals that many countries are now using information-based services to assist in the administration and delivery of medical services via telecommunication infrastructures.
Improving the practice of cyber diplomacy: Training, tools, and other resources – Phase I
Cyber diplomacy, the conduct of diplomacy with respect to a state’s interests in cyberspace, is too important to ignore. Yet, the participation of countries is far from ideal.
Making Education a Priority in the Post-2015 Development Agenda
The post-2015 development agenda should prioritize education to address global challenges effectively and promote sustainable development. Educational goals must encompass quality, inclusivity, equity, and lifelong learning opportunities for all individuals, regardless of background. Investing in education not only benefits individuals by improving their opportunities and well-being but also contributes to societal advancement by fostering economic growth, reducing poverty, and promoting social cohesion. Education is a fundamental human right and a key driver of progress, making it essential f...
Opening one’s eyes to opportunity
'John Walubengo introduced me to KictaNET... I got involved in ICT and... what it could do at a time when Kenya was revising its national ICT policy...' - Judith Okite from Kenya
A study of the UN Working Group on IG – MSP in communication technology for development at the global level
The paper aims to identify best practices and lessons learned in multi-stakeholder partnership (MSP) practices at the global policy level through a participatory methodology based on interviews and an online electronic survey.
Digital Markets Act
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) aims to ensure the proper functioning of the EU internal market by 'promoting effective competition in digital markets' and, in particular, a fair and contestable online platform environment.
The network neutrality debate and development
This study focuses ont he Net Neutrality controversy. It aims to answer a number of questions including - If Net Neutrality deserves protection, the question is how? Should a political or legal solution be enacted at national or international levels? Can we trust an informal free-market solution that may develop on its own, or should legal and political means be used to enunciate this principle? Will market forces ensure the best outcome, whatever this may be?
Global Public Goods: International Cooperation in the 21st Century
This collection of papers offers a new rationale and framework for international development cooperation. Its main argument is that in actual practice development cooperation has already moved beyond aid. In the name of aid (i.e., assistance to poor countries), we are today dealing with issues such as the ozone hole, global climate change, HIV, drug trafficking, and financial volatility. All of these issues are not really poverty related. Rather, they concern global housekeeping: ensuring an adequate provision of global public goods. Many important lessons could be drawn by first recognizing t...
Defining development in the context of current realities
‘My personal knowledge reflects other cultures and types of people in Fiji and the Pacific. I live not only with one race but with many who have different cultural and traditional values.’ - Anju Mangal from Fiji
The secret life of a cyber vulnerability
The comic brings a worrying, yet realistic and educative story that follows a life of a cyber vulnerability, from its inception to its deployment for an actual cyberattack.
Mediation and artificial intelligence: Notes on the future of international conflict resolution
Over the last years AI has emerged as a hot topic with regard to its impact on our political, social, and economic lives.
Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems: Mapping the GGE Debate (Briefing Paper #8)
The paper discusses the ongoing debate in the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS) and the varying perspectives on the need for regulation and control of these weapons.
Cybersecurity in the Western Balkans: Policy gaps and cooperation opportunities
Report on cybersecurity cooperation in the Western Balkans.
How safe are we? Security risks of the social networks
We are witnessing an extreme proliferation of the social networks, which can be seen in two ways: an expansion of social network websites, and an increase in the number of people who are starting to use them. The author describes the risks associated with social networks, mostly associated with user's privacy, and the responsibility for those risks. This paper also analyses whether the rules proscribed so that social network providers can distance themselves from possible abuses are really designed to help the users be safe.
A sustainable project with great results
It is a sustainable project with great results. The participants of our capacity building projects are currently taking charge of managing local initiatives, drafting regional ICT policy plans and training their own teams.' - Dhrupad Mathur from India
The Internet and diplomats of the 20th century
The Internet and diplomats of the twenty century: how new information technologies affect the ordinary work of diplomats.
Improving the practice of cyber diplomacy: Training, tools, and other resources – Final study
This study analyses the capacity development of cyber diplomacy, including training opportunities, tools, and other resources, and looks at their reach, take-up, and what should come next. Why? Because although cyber diplomacy, the conduct of diplomacy with respect to a state’s interests in cyberspace, is too important to ignore, the participation of countries is far from ideal.
From Harmonising Cyberpolicies to Promoting Twiplomacy: How Diplomacy Can Strengthen Asia-Europe’s Digital Connectivity
This text was published in the ASEF Outlook Report 2016/2017.
An International Digital Strategy for the European Union
The European Commission's Joint Communication outlines an International Digital Strategy aimed at enhancing the EU's global tech competitiveness and innovation. Acknowledging the digital and AI revolution, the EU emphasizes the need for collective action with international partners to ensure economic security and uphold democratic values. The strategy encompasses boosting tech capacity, establishing secure digital infrastructure, addressing cybersecurity threats, and promoting AI governance. By expanding partnerships and digital trade agreements, the EU aims to shape global digital governance ...
