Internet and Democracy : A study of the Internet’s influence in a democratization process in China

Abstract: The phenomenon of the Internet, instant access to information from all over the world and interacting on social media has become a part of our daily lives. However in China, the media and the Internet is strictly controlled to suppress any opposition, thus limiting and violating the freedom of speech. Some argues that free media promotes democratic values, hence the purpose of this study has been to examine the impact that a free access to information could have on the Chinese society and how the influence of the Internet could impact the Chinese Communist party’s political power. The methodology for this study has been a single case study approach, and the collection of empirical data has been conducted by semi-structured interviews with scholars, NGO and government official. The conclusion was that the respondents had shared views on the level of influence that a free access to information on the Internet could have, however it was clearly indicated that it was important for promoting democracy. It was also concluded that the Chinese government has been able to stay in power due to suppression, economic development and to some extent legitimacy. The impact of a free Internet could have on the party’s political power depends on how well the government can convince the population that they politics is still legitimate and effective.