'Threat Talk' exposes how US and Chinese scientists and policy-makers have understood and responded to the problem of internet addiction in their societies. Mary Manjikian's culturalist approach claims that the internet is neither inherently helpful, nor inherently threatening. Rather, its role and the dangers it poses may be understood differently by different societies.
'... the book succeeds in providing a thoughtful demonstration of how cultural and philosophical lenses determine problem definition. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.' Choice 'The volume provides a truly original contribution to Social Constructivism and internet studies alike by showing how the perceived purpose and function of a technology are not the same across countries. Investigating the case of "internet addiction" in the United States and China, it is fascinating reading for students and scholars in Political Science, Sociology and Psychology.' Giampiero Giacomello, University of Bologna, Italy 'Threat Talk by Professor Manjikian is an interesting and thoroughly researched book that exhibits solid out of the box thinking, cross disciplinary research, and case study insight into the politics of internet addiction.' Kevin Cooney, Northwest University, USA 'Written in a lively and engaging manner, Threat Talk explores how states understand and respond to the challenge of cyber-addiction. Drawing from a rich set of cases including China and the United States, Manjikian persuasively argues that societies' values, beliefs, and cultural traditions are the critical determinants. The broader point she makes-that technology may sharpen rather than flatten political differences across states-is provocative, counter-intuitive, and ultimately convincing. A fascinating read for scholars and generalists alike.' Elizabeth Economy, Council on Foreign Relations, USA '... earnest, conscientious, scholarly treatise - scrupulously post-modern in its attention to narratives and discourse... In much of the world, internet adoption is still more a matter of finance than technology. The economic aspects of the situation are hardly touched on, a missed opportunity. But Threat Talk repays study as sincere, comprehensive and conscientious survey of the issues in this important debate.' The Round Table 'Manjikian's study is well written, exten
