Yashar Zaki; Javad Hassanzadeh
Abstract
Different spheres of human life as a result of the emergence and spread of the phenomenon of "Internet" has changed. "E-government" covers all platforms and applications of ICT that services citizens, businesses, other government agencies and civil servants. In this study, we tried by using library resources ...
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Different spheres of human life as a result of the emergence and spread of the phenomenon of "Internet" has changed. "E-government" covers all platforms and applications of ICT that services citizens, businesses, other government agencies and civil servants. In this study, we tried by using library resources in the theory and by using of data of “The United Nations e-Government Survey” first described the concept of cyberspace and e-government and then using statistical tests and SPSS, regions of the world to be compared with each other. The results show that e-government development index in Western Europe and North America and also somewhat in Eastern European countries become more developed than other areas. It should be noted that some countries of Eastern and Western Asia are on the list of top countries in e-government index, but the average is much lower in Asia than in Europe and North America, which represents the digital divide in Asia. Another thing worth mentioning is that the most difference between regions is in the telecommunication infrastructure and online services index and differences in human capital index is lower. For example, although the online services and telecom infrastructure in Iran is relatively poor, but the Human Capital Index is in good condition. Finally, using a questionnaire that was satisfactory reliability and validity, Students and graduates of the geo-political attitude in relation to factors in the development of e-government in the country was measured.
Hamidreza Rahmanizadeh Dehkordi
Abstract
Purpose: The relationship between cyberspace and democracy has been one of the most controversial issues during the last two decades. The main question particularly lies in the fact whether cyberspace can restrict the authoritarian state. The study aims, in the first step, to examine the arguments for ...
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Purpose: The relationship between cyberspace and democracy has been one of the most controversial issues during the last two decades. The main question particularly lies in the fact whether cyberspace can restrict the authoritarian state. The study aims, in the first step, to examine the arguments for and against some basic concepts which are related to the question of the study and those debates including “virtual civil society”, “virtual public sphere”, “state accountability” and “creating some spaces for resistance”. Then, Non-Democratic Sides of Cyberspace were examined and it was revealed that they are not related to cyberspace per se. These features arise from political, social and economic structures; but cyberspace can represent them, at the best. In other words, internet should be looked at as a tool or a medium, not as a goal per se. Design/Methodology/Approach: In this article, the main arguments for and against the democratic sides of cyberspace were examined and some evidence was given for each. Then, it was indicated that all of them are a part of truth. To understand the concrete reality on cyberspace we should refer to context (social, economic structures) which is known as structural approach. Findings: Our thesis can be summed up by one typical statement: "structures and actions determine the political and social system and internet and cyberspace can only act as a catalyst". No evidence could be found to show us that activity in cyberspace can make a great change in political, social relations and structures, on the contrary, there is clear-cut evidence that the state and social, economic institutions, have used this tool in promoting and achieving their goals. Originality/Value: The two different approaches toward cyberspace and its impact on promoting democracy process are not new. Our contribution to this process, in the first step, is to categorize and analyze them based on their reasons and evidence and more importantly, to show that these two approaches are Two sides of the same coin. To understand the democracy process and nature of the state, we should refer to the concrete context including social and economic structures and not to virtual tools.
