Developments in information technology and the internet are taking place at an almost bewildering pace. Such improvements, however, are believed to present opportunities for improving the responsiveness and accountability of political institutions and enhancing citizen participation.

In Cyberdemocracy the theoretical arguments for and against "electronic democracy" and the potential of information and communication technology are closely examined. The book is underpinned by a series of case studies in the US and Europe that demonstrate the application of "electronic democracy" in a number of city and civic projects.

Cyberdemocracy provides a balanced and considered evaluation of the potential for "electronic democracy" based on empirical research. It will be a valuable contribution to a vigorous debate about the state of democracy and the influence of information technology.

Roza Tsagarousianou is a lecturer and researcher at the Centre for Communication and Information Studies of the University of Westminster. Damian Tambini is a research fellow at Humbolt University, Berlin. Cathy Bryan is a researcher at Informed Sources and is concerned with developments in media and communications technologies.