Choice of internet governance structure: a cross-country study of national level factors

Abstract

Internet's ever increasing positive and negative consequences (both intended and unintended) are leading to increased demand towards its improved design and better governance mechanisms. However, countries across the world are divided over the choice of Internet governance structure, i.e. multi-stakeholder versus multilateral form. This paper explores the role of institutional quality of countries on this choice. We base our empirical analysis on the WCIT-2012 data (of 144 countries) using the theory of legitimacy of governance forms. The analysis supports our hypothesized relationship. Further, a qualitative study of the ICT policies of 25 countries reveals the role of Internet affordances in this relationship. It also reveals how major national and international events can change the perceived affordances of Internet for countries which may have an effect on their preference for a particular governance structure.