ABSTRACT
This chapter describes Computer-based networks (CBNs) the network as an entity; network politics and power; the problems and effects of this globalisation; and a short case study which highlights the political nature of a form of CBN. It concentrates on the use of human-readable information in socio-political contexts. The chapter takes a radical view from the human perspective and state that CBN can only happen as part of a communications network. Current models of CBN are aimed at two audiences, the technologists and the managers. The authors have found it necessary to look at CBN in a more philosophical manner so that they can understand the principles of any communications network before looking at CBN in particular. The process of turning the potential of a CBN into a networked reality is restricted by the need for the communicators to share a paradigm.
