The Web of Politics: The Internet's Impact on the American Political System - Softcover

A well-researched and finely detailed account of virtual politics today. (W. Lance Bennett, University of Washington)

Informative and easy to read (Political Science Quarterly)

Scores of commentators have conjured up visions of the dramatic effects the Internet is bound to have on our political life. But Richard Davis, in a lucid and detailed analysis based on far-reaching evidence, demolishes any expectations that the new technology, in and of itself, will transform American politics. Instead, he persuasively shows, point by point, how those political actors already organized to be influential in politics will continue to use those advantages in the Web-driven world of today and tomorrow. (Timothy Cook, Williams College)

In this timely book Richard Davis probes the question of whether the Internet is a people's instrument which will dramatically increase political participation. Armed with greater access to news and information, will citizens be more fully equipped to participate in the vital processes of democratic governance? Far from it, Davis argues. Instead, the Internet will instead largely serve the interests of entrenched political actors. Davis's sobering assessment will be of interest to all specialists and citizens interested in the political role of this popular new medium. (Montague Kern, Rutgers University)

Is the Internet destined to upset traditional political power in the United States? This book answers with an emphatic "no." Author Richard Davis shows how current political players including candidates, public officials, and the media are adapting to the Internet and assuring that this new medium benefits them in their struggle for power. In doing so he examines the current function of the Internet in democratic politics―educating citizens, conducting electoral campaigns, gauging public opinion, and achieving policy resolution― and the roles of current political actors in those functions. Davis's unconventional prediction concerning the Internet's impact on American politics warrants a closer look by anyone interested in learning how this new communication medium will affect us politically.