ABSTRACT
The contributions from this book at first sight seem to show how little political communication using ICTs appears to differ from its more traditional forms. Despite the range of case studies involved, the diversity of the focus and the differing political traditions, there are broad similarities of experience in the areas studied. However, our message is not simply one of confirming the status quo. Parties are beginning to adopt new ICTs more extensively and new practices are emerging gradually. Some subtle differences can be detected among parties and party systems in their use of ICTs. In exploring such findings, this concluding chapter brings together the issues discussed in this volume, highlighting some of the main points to emerge from the contributions. In order to assess these overall findings we return to the three broad areas discussed in Chapter 1, namely: campaigning and style of politics; electoral outcomes and the balance of power between parties; and internal organisation and democracy. This leads to a final assessment of the determinants shaping parties’ web strategies and the development of their use of new ICTs.
