The politics of knowledge [papers of the LSE Asia Forum 2008 on "The Politics of Knowledge" held in Singapore on 11 April 2008

The publication of this book, comprising chapters written by distinguished scholars, is a timely recognition that these days we are bombarded by suggestions that knowledge is power, that we are operating in a knowledge economy, and that the greatest driver for financial growth and national development is the knowledge industry. There are more sources of knowledge available to a wider range of the world’s population than ever before. The Internet has made the dissemination of knowledge possible in ways not contemplated fifty years ago. National boundaries are crossed with consummate ease. Knowledge is not like other assets. It can be accessed rapidly and used by thousands, often millions, of people. This makes knowledge as an asset that generated much of the wealth in the early development of most nations. And different countries and regions need different strategies to support and promote the growth of their knowledge economies. These call for nationally and regionally-based approaches, and they entail new dynamics and challenges in wealth creation, legal regulation, national and social organization and the protection of environmental and natural resources.

From China to Facebookistan, the Internet has transformed global commerce. A cyber-law expert argues that we must free Internet trade while simultaneously protecting consumers.

On the ancient Silk Road, treasure-laden caravans made their arduous way through deserts and mountain passes, establishing trade between Asia and the civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean. Today’s electronic Silk Roads ferry information across continents, enabling individuals and corporations anywhere to provide or receive services without obtaining a visa. But the legal infrastructure for such trade is yet rudimentary and uncertain. If an event in cyberspace occurs at once everywhere and nowhere, what law applies? How can consumers be protected when engaging with companies across the world?

In this accessible book, cyber-law expert Anupam Chander provides the first thorough discussion of the law that relates to global Internet commerce. Addressing up-to-the-minute examples, such as Google’s struggles with China, the Pirate Bay’s skirmishes with Hollywood, and the outsourcing of services to India, the author insightfully analyzes the difficulties of regulating Internet trade. Chander then lays out a framework for future policies, showing how countries can dismantle barriers while still protecting consumer interests.

CONTENTS LIST OF TABLES LIST OF FIGURES THE CONTRIBUTORS PREFACE FOREWORD MESSAGES Chapter 1. Role of Knowledge in the Transformation of Asia Chapter 2. Understanding the Politics of Knowledge: The Asian Perspective Chapter 3. Truth, Free Speech and Knowledge: The Human Rights Contribution Chapter 4. Knowledge: The Driver of Economic Growth Chapter 5. Commerce vs the Common Conflicts over the Commercialisation of Biomedical Knowledge Chapter 6. A Global Deal on Climate Change Chapter 7. The Changing Politics of Religious Knowledge in Asia: The Case of Indonesia Index Comprising chapters written by scholars, this book states that these days we are bombarded by suggestions that knowledge is power, that we are operating in a knowledge economy, and that the greatest driver for financial growth and national development is the knowledge industry. "This book is the outcome of the fourth LSE Asia Forum which the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) co-hosted in Singapore on 11 April 2008"--P. xvii. Knowledge, Sociology of—Political aspects—Congresses.