Counterpublics and the State (Suny Series in Communication Studies)

Explores antagonistic encounters between people, both individuals and groups, and governments.

In the form of demonstrations, social movements, guerrilla warfare, and internet "hacktivism," political dissidents or "counterpublics" challenge the state and assert themselves upon the public stage. At stake in such engagements are profound issues of political and economic redistribution, individual and collective rights, political legitimacy, social stability, and identity. This book explores encounters between marginalized people and states to better understand the contours of social controversy and social transformation borne from conflict.

"At the beginning of the previous century, John Dewey was concerned about the public and its problems. Dewey's concerns, it turns out, are more relevant now than ever. One of the great strengths of Counterpublics and the State is that its contributors update the entire discussion in light of new issues and, especially, new communication technologies. I suspect this is a book Dewey would have hoped that every citizen would read." -- Eric Gander, Baruch College

Contributors include Robert Asen, Daniel C. Brouwer, Dana L. Cloud, Erik Doxtader, Gerard A. Hauser, Marie A. Mater, Todd F. McDorman, Catherine Helen Palczewski, and Catherine Squires.