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The position of the state in an age of globalization has already been the subject of many debates. In this paper, I will explore Manuel Castells' analysis of the contemporary state as a network state, i.e. a state embedded in a larger network of shared sovereignty. I will examine how this analysis can help us to better understand the current position and role of the state in a context of multi-level and multi-actor governance. In order to do this I will present empirical data on the way the U.S. is dealing with the problem of electronic waste (e-waste). Both domestically and internationally the US, instead of using a traditional command-and-control approach, supports the use of public-private partnerships for e-waste governance. At the same time, non-state actors have taken up active governance roles too. Departing slightly from Castells, I will argue that the state can best be conceptualized as a networked state. I will then assess to which extent a specific network logic, as Castells theorizes, plays out in the case of the U.S. and the e-waste governance networks in which it is involved. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Like in other sectors, non-state actors have taken up the challenge of establishing innovative governance mechanisms for dealing with new problems, such as e-waste, in a situation where state-based governance is lagging behind. This paper will analyze the ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I focus on new governance structures (i.e. partnerships) that are being established to better govern the illegal trade in E-waste. To analyze the global governance of the international trade in E-waste, I use Manuel Castells? theory of flows and the network society, as well as the translation of this theory to the environmental social sciences as proposed by Arthur Mol and Gert Spaargaren. From this perspective, E-waste as a general environmental flow can be disaggregated or 'unbundled' in various distinct flows. In addition to the material flow of the waste itself, we can identify accompanying flows such as financial flows, risk flows, technology flows, etc. The Basel Convention is not able to prevent or adequately govern the illegal trade in E-waste. Therefore, new governance structures are being established in the form of partnerships between parties to the Convention, industry representatives and NGOs. Two such partnerships are being established in the framework of the Basel Convention: the Mobile Phone Partnership Initiative, which is working on guidelines on the environmentally sound management of used and end-of-life mobile phones, and the Global Computer Refurbishment and Recycling Partnership, which is still in its exploratory phase. In my paper I will briefly elaborate on the theoretical framework of my research, and then focus on the possible impact that these types of partnerships can have on the international trade in E-waste. Will such new policy instruments be better able to govern the material flows of E-waste? And what are the possible impacts on the other identified, non-material flows? ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the Chinese Communist Party and in extenso the central government, stay firmly in power for the time being, the spreading of access to the internet is posing specific challenges to highly centralized control. The Songhua River pollution caseis a great example of this recent evolution. A chemical accident in Jilin, closed down the drinking water supply for approximately 10 million people for several days and also spilled over into Russia. The central government had planned a (traditional/standard)public communication based on a mix of minimal information, denial, and minimization of the issue. Yet, within hours of the accident, messages were being exchanged on the internet and virtual and public debate spread faster than the government could control. This led to an addaptation of official reactions and communication.This one incident is indicative of the impact of new channels of information on evironmental and other issues. According to Castells, Mol and others, this will lead to different forms of politics and sub-politics with potentially drastic changes in the state-civil society relationship.In this paper I explore these issues based on an analysis of the Songhua River case. ..PAT.-Unpublished Manuscript [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]