 Each day brings new examples of how information and communication technology (ICT) is reshaping the lives of people around the world. To one degree or another, the digital revolution has arrived in just about every corner of the globe. In recognition of this, representatives of the world's nations will gather in Geneva this December for the World Summit on the Information Society to discuss how access to ICT might be achieved for all people.
On the Internet and the World Wide Web, people are governing, learning, communicating, debating, "politicking," shopping, and experimenting - conducting all kinds of interactions in ways only made possible by ICT. The Internet has brought into being a virtual world that, like the universe itself, is expanding every moment, full of promise, hope, and not a little mystery. But challenges remain if it is to achieve its full promise. The United States, in partnership with other governments, international organizations, and citizens of many countries, is committed to assisting people around the globe to meet these challenges so that this virtual world becomes a helpful and productive part of their everyday lives.
Among the articles in this edition of Global Issues, senior U.S. government officials outline priorities for Internet development and discuss U.S. assistance programs to help develop ICT skills, training, and access in developing countries. A U.S. lawmaker describes how the Internet can help create a more open and transparent society, and a scholar reviews efforts to bring the Internet into elementary and secondary schools. Finally, private sector experts explore the problems and challenges of protecting computers and the information they contain.
We hope that by considering the variety of issues and concerns presented in this journal, readers will gain a greater understanding of and appreciation for the digital revolution and their potential role in it.
The Editors
Focus
The Digital Dimension of Development: A Strategic Approach
The freedom to innovate, create, and share ideas is critical to development, a top U.S. diplomat writes. The U.S. government is utilizing information and communications technology to achieve development goals.
By Ambassador David A. Gross, U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy
E-government: The Next American Revolution
Government can use the Internet to provide better and more efficient services to citizens.
By U.S. Representative Tom Davis, Chairman, House Government Reform Committee
Bringing Africa Online
A U.S. program started in 1996 is expanding Internet connectivity in African nations.
By Lane Smith, Deputy Director of the Leland Initiative, U.S. Agency for International Development
Connecting with Eurasia
With the help of alumni from its educational and cultural exchange programs, the U.S. government is promoting Internet skills and computer knowledge among diverse populations in Eurasia.
By Barry E. Ballow, Director, Office of Academic Exchange Programs, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, U.S. Department of State
Commentary
A New Way of Governing in the Digital Age
Information technologies and Internet transactions are changing the relationship between governments and their citizens.
By Charlene Porter, Managing Editor, of this edition of Global Issues
Staying Safe in Cyberspace
A security specialist provides a primer on what the home computer user needs to know and do to protect his machine from intruders.
By Lawrence R. Rogers, Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University
Bridging the Digital Divide
An understanding of grassroots realities, pooling of resources, and a favorable regulatory system are among the many elements necessary in an effective approach to the narrowing the digital divide.
By Teresa Peters, Executive Director, Bridges.org
Bringing the Internet to Schools Effectively
International research shows a proper approach is key to achieving educational results when advanced technologies and the Internet are introduced into schools.
By Janet Ward Schofield, Professor of Psychology and Senior Scientist, Learning Research and Development Center, University of Pittsburgh
The Frontiers Ahead: A Dialogue on the Progress and Promise of the Internet
Internet authorities discuss the transforming influence of information technologies over the past decade.
Panelists are Lee Rainie of the Pew Internet and American Life Project and George Sadowsky of the Global Internet Policy Initiative
Additional Resources
National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace
An excerpt from the Bush administration strategy for cybersecurity released in February 2003.
Attacks on the Internet in 2003
Malicious code incidents in 2003 reveal the vulnerabilities of the Internet.
Abridged testimony by CERT/CC Director Richard Pethia
Bibliography
Books, documents, and articles on the Internet and information technologies.
Internet Sites
A list of sites on the World Wide Web offering further information on the Internet and information technologies.
Global Issues
An Electronic Journal of the U.S. Department of State
ejglobal@pd.state.gov
Editor William Peters;
Managing Editor Charlene Porter;
Text Editor Jim Fuller;
Internet Editors Tim Brown;
Contributing Editors Jenifer Bochner,
Cynthia LaCovey,
Vicki Silverman,
Gerri Williams;
Reference and Research
Lynne Scheib, Joan Taylor;
Art Director Chloe Ellis.
Publisher Judith S. Siegel;
Executive Editor Guy E. Olson;
Production Manager Christian Larson;
Assistant Production Manager Sylvia Scott.
Editorial Board: George Clack, Kathleen R. Davis.
The Bureau of International Information Programs of the U.S. Department of State provides products and services that explain U.S. policies, society, and values to foreign audiences. The Bureau publishes five electronic journals that examine major issues facing the United States and the international community. The journals -- Economic Perspectives, Global Issues, Issues of Democracy, U.S. Foreign Policy Agenda, and U.S. Society and Values -- provide statements of U.S. policy together with analysis, commentary, and background information in their respective thematic areas.
All issues appear in English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish language versions, and selected issues also appear in Arabic and Russian. English-language issues appear at approximately a one-June interval. Translated versions normally follow the English original by two to four weeks.
The opinions expressed in the journals do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. government. The U.S. Department of State assumes no responsibility for the content and continued accessibility of Internet sites linked to herein; such responsibility resides solely with the publishers of those sites. Articles may be reproduced and translated outside the United States unless the articles carry explicit copyright restrictions on such use. Potential users of credited photos are obliged to clear such use with said source.
Current or back issues of the journals, and the roster of upcoming journals, can be found on the Bureau of International Information Programs' International Home Page on the World Wide Web at http://usinfo.state.gov/journals/. They are available in several electronic formats to facilitate viewing online, transferring, downloading, and printing. Comments are welcome at your local U.S. Embassy or at the editorial offices:
Editor, Global Issues & Communications
Bureau of International Information Programs
IIP/T/GIC
U.S. Department of State
301 4th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20547
United States of America
E-mail: ejglobal@pd.state.gov
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