Flaptekst

Information and communication technologies are networked. Exchanging information between
two points in a network requires both the definition of what kind of information is to be
exchanged (standardization) and the definition of rules and procedures of how this information
is produced, circulated, and received (regulation). As such, processes of standardization (the
negotiation and definition of technical standards) and regimes of regulation (their
implementation and control by a legally and/or politically recognized institution) are at the
heart of techno-political diplomacy, because they involve a multitude of actors (technical,
economic, and political) and arenas (platforms of negotiation) on national, international, and
transnational levels. As the term techno-diplomacy suggests, these processes are characterized
by strategic actions, and tactical maneuvers among all actors involved and generally require a
high degree of both technical knowledge and diplomatic skills by the negotiating parties.
This book aims at studying the role of one specific actor in the field of standardization and
regulation of information and communication technologies, the International
Telecommunication Union from its origins in the mid-19th century to nowadays. In this technodiplomatic game, ITU has been indeed an actor and had a key-role in different realms such as
regulations of tariffs, technological standardization and homogeneity, establishment of shared
norms, promotion and support of projects and studies for example in developing countries.