Web of Influence

Every day, millions of online diarists, or "bloggers," share their opinions with a global audience. Drawing upon the content of the international media and the World Wide Web, they weave together an elaborate network with agenda-setting power on issues ranging from human rights in China to the U.S. occupation of Iraq. What began as a hobby is evolving into a new medium that is changing the landscape for journalists and policymakers alike.

BY DANIEL W. DREZNER, HENRY FARRELL | NOVEMBER 1, 2004

It was March 21, 2003 -- two days after the United States began its "shock and awe" campaign against Iraq -- and the story dominating TV networks was the rumor (later proven false) that Saddam Hussein's infamous cousin, Ali Hassan al-Majid ("Chemical Ali"), had been killed in an airstrike. But, for thousands of other people around the world who switched...

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Daniel W. Drezner is assistant professor of political science at the University of Chicago. Henry Farrell is assistant professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University and a member of the group blog www.crookedtimber.org.

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 SUBJECTS: MEDIA