International Alternative Networks

All over the world, a variety of international alternative networks have surfaced to support the development of media and information. Although the different networks differ in their mission and structures but they all share a common aim of democratizing information, and pushing for reforms in communication. These projects are distinguished by their non-commercial nature as well as their opposition to imperialist www.inafi-la.org/2022/05/13/improve-business-processes-with-the-data-room-providers/ power mechanics.

These networks are made up of individuals, non profit organizations and native sites. They connect local communities to global and regional connections in order to increase the accessibility of information. They also run communication campaigns aiming to make local, national and global media more accessible and representative. These projects face many challenges that include limited financial and technical support. But they are continuing to build an internet of local-local connections and avoid imperialist power mechanics.

In the beginning of the 1990s, a variety of international alternative networks started to emerge in many countries and areas. These projects were able to develop due to the confluence of social movements, especially from the Global South that were agitating against US policies; and creative media groups, who were ingenuously utilizing the newly available consumer production marketing channels.

These networks have become increasingly important as a means to provide Internet capability in areas where traditional network deployments are not in place or are not the most preferred option. This article offers a classification of these networks, and outlines their primary characteristics. It is intended to help researchers as well as activists and others in their understanding of these networks and their function as a crucial component in an approach to global access for all.