Ruling the Root: Internet Governance and the Taming of Cyberspace

By Milton L. Mueller

Book Overview

In this text, Milton Mueller uses the theoretical framework of institutional economics to analyze the global policy and governance problems created by the assignment of Internet domain names and addresses. The root is the top of the domain name hierarchy and the Internet address space. It is the only point of centralized control in what is otherwise a distributed and voluntaristic network of networks. Both domain names and IP numbers are valuable resources, and their assignment on a coordinated basis is essential to the technical operation of the Internet. Mueller explains how control of the root is being leveraged to control the Internet itself in such key areas as trademark and copyright protection, surveillance of users, content regulation, and regulation of the domain name supply industry.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0262134128
• ISBN13: 9780262134125
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Mit Pr
• Length: 327 Pages
• Weight: 1.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.5" x 1.0" x 6.0"