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The ways in which the Internet is managed and controlled -often labeled as Internet Governance- are usually considered as standing on four main pillars: Technology, Market Laws, State Regulation and Uses. Nevertheless, its specific features, the consequences of the plurality of norms it involves and of the decision-making processes it entails are rarely addressed in a comprehensive analysis. This book explores the Internet’s functioning both as a practical-intellectual experience and a political challenge. By means of several case studies, it proposes a substantial and reflexive treatment of multileveled, formal or informal Internet Politics. The book’s overall endeavor is to outline an understanding of what is -or may be- a “digital common good”. The authors are members of a European academic team gathered by the Vox Internet research program’s meetings. They adopt a multi-disciplinary approach, embedding technological innovation in the field of social sciences (communication studies, sociology, law, political science and philosophy).

This contribution addresses the challenges posed to governing arrangements by global transformations characterized by diversity, dynamics and complexity [Kooiman, 2003]. Such transformations bring new concerns, expectations and criticism related to the possibility of a more democratic conduct of world politics, as well as new questions concerning the desirability and preconditions for democratic developments at the supra-national level. In this context, we need to acknowledge the centrality o...