CIAO DATE: 03/05

E-commerce at the Grass Roots: Implications of a “Wired” Citizenry in Developing Nations

U.S. Government

June 2000

 

Summary

This paper postulates economic and political effects of widespread Internet availability at the local level in selected countries and regions of the developing world. It addresses the changes in local economic and political activity that are likely or at least possible once large numbers of people obtain Internet access.

Table of Contents

Key Judgments (PDF, 4 pages, 169.2 KB)

Table of Contents (PDF, 1 page, 32.9 KB)

Scope and Research Note (PDF, 2 pages, 53.7 KB)

I. Prospects for Internet Availability and Usage in Developing Nations (PDF, 9 pages, 98.3 KB)

1. Assumptions on Internet Availability
2. Modes of Internet Usage
3. Trust, Credit, and Law
4. Prospects for Secure Communications
5. The Internet as a Tool for Preserving the Status Quo

II. Effects of Widespread Internet Availability on Local-level Economics (PDF, 38 pages, 302.7 KB)

1. Local Market Liquidity and Efficiency
2. The Agricultural Economy
3. Local-level Entrepreneurship
4. Cartels, Barriers to Entry, Restraint of Trade
5. Capital Accumulation, Investment, and Credit
6. Employment Patterns and Labor Migration
7. Taxation, Regulation, and Licensing
8. Informal vs. Declared Business Activity
9. Crime and Corruption

III. Effects of Widespread Internet Availability on Local-level Politics (PDF, 16 pages, 151.4 KB)

1. Increased Access to News and Information
2. Local Political Activity
3. Connectivity with Expatriates and Distant Domestic Groups
4. Adroit Internet Use by Governing Political Powers