Activist Quote by Evgeny Morozov
“It is true that authoritarian governments increasingly see the internet as a threat in part because they see the US government behind the internet. It would not be accurate to say they are reacting to the threat posed by the internet, they are reacting to the threat poised by United States via the internet. They are not reacting against blogs, or Facebook or Twitter per se, they are reacting against organizations like the National Endowment for Democracy funding bloggers and activists.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Net Delusion: The Dark Side of Internet Freedom, 2011
Authoritarian regimes view the internet as a strategic tool used by the United States to influence their societies, so they target U.S.-backed organizations rather than the technology itself.
In simple terms: Governments fear U.S. influence via the internet, not the internet itself.
Key Takeaway
Recognize the political dimensions of digital platforms.
Themes
politics
technology
sovereignty
media
activism
Mood
cautious
critical
analytical
Type
political
analytical
critical
When to use this quote
- policy analysis
- human rights advocacy
- journalism
- academic research
Key Concepts
information warfare
soft power
digital authoritarianism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do digital tools both empower and endanger activists?
- What strategies can civil society use to protect online freedom?
A Different Perspective
The internet also enables dissent, which can limit authoritarian control.
![“To reject solutionism is to transcend the narrow-minded rationalistic mindset that recasts every instance of an efficiency deficit [...] as an obstacle that needs to be overcome.” quote by Evgeny Morozov](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6b0/evgeny-morozov-2995_adversity_to-reject-solutionism-is-to-transcend-th_154423.jpg)
![“Some kinds of activists are more willing to try stuff out, see if works and think on their feet, but some of the people who are working on [change] find that very difficult: They've been schooled into thinking you have to come up with the perfect plan in advance. It has become a bit technocratic.” quote by Duncan Green](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d17/duncan-green-20105_activist_some-kinds-of-activists-are-more-willing_57391.jpg)
