"The emergence of new media, concomitant with new democratic potentials and new forms of violence and terrorism worldwide, is not accidental. In 'The Al Jazeera Effect,' Philip Seib provides a thoughtful and sophisticated account of these salient political and media trends and how they interconnect. The book contains a wealth of information about the Web, the blogosphere, and satellite TV, with particular focus on the Middle East; but its implications are complex, uncertain, and vast--extending beyond the Internet and other midea in the Arab-Muslim world. 'The Al Jazeera Effect' is an excellent primer for the brave new world of the twenty-first century and the rugged roads to democracy that lie ahead." Publisher's Review.

Preface -- Beyond the clash of civilizations -- Channels and more channels -- The internet surge -- The rise of the virtual state -- Global connections, global terrorism -- The cyber-struggle for democracy -- Transforming the Middle East -- What it all means -- Notes -- Selected bibliography -- Index -- About the author