The Political Economy of Information: The Impact of Transborder Data Flows

Abstract

Developments in communication technology as change agents in international relations have been given little more than passing reference in much of the international studies literature. Such advances, however, and especially the most recent developments, are believed by these authors to be critical factors in changing and shaping the world system. The authors isolated transborder data flows to illustrate the overall impact of technological developments, and examined the technology itself, and its political and economic role in the world system. Specifically discussed are the relationships between multinational corporations and states, the information policies of governments, and the current and potential ramifications of transborder data flows technology on policy making. Finally, the authors make recommendations for policy makers on three levels: international, regional, and national. Specifically recommended are: 1) increased involvement of international organizations; 2) establishment of an international mechanism for the cooperative management of transborder data flows; 3) regional cooperation to employ transborder data flows in development and trade; 4) increased awareness on the part of developing nations of the impacts of transborder data flows on economic and political development; 5) concrete and cooperative national policy to ward off international tension and disharmony over transborder data flows and direct them toward facilitating world peace and development.