This book provides a detailed, critical analysis for understanding the political dimensions of 21st century communication/information technologies, mass media and transnational networks. Gerald Sussman contextualizes the expanding use of these technologies and media in the social histories of their development, in order to provide an integrated functional and political economic framework for viewing the many controversies surrounding communications, media and society - from the diminishing of citizenship and work experiences to the growing use of commerical and political surveillance. In addition, he examines the impacts of global communication and information structures on the developing countries and at alternatives to the hegemonic tendencies within the United States and the world economy.