http://blurringborders.disqus.com/enWed, 05 Aug 2009 11:43:43 -0000http://blurringborders.com/2009/08/05/traditional-power-structures-still-matter/#comment-13982328<p>Your last point is the best. Quite a zinger.</p><p>Without watching the video (TED talks are short, I know; my attention span is shorter), it seems Brown is correct about the overarching effect of new technologies: Foreign policy can never be the same again. But his named cause -- instantaneous digital communication makes it necessary that the masses are heeded -- is off the mark, as you point out. Tech only changes foreign policy by adding just a little more time and political pressure to situations.</p><p>Consider this: If a US senator complained on Twitter that we weren't doing enough talking with Russia, it would be news for a half-day. If that same senator held a traditional press conference (or met with leaders in private), s/he would have a lot more impact. And that's the same US senator. People like us, even en masse, don't have the power to pressure like a few powerful people do.</p>Alex KleinWed, 05 Aug 2009 11:43:43 -0000