Conflicts In The Knowledge Society

In Conflicts in the Knowledge Society, Sebastian Haunss demonstrates how conflicts relating to the international system of intellectual property have resulted in new cleavages in the knowledge society. Furthermore, he argues that new collective actors have emerged from these conflicts with the ability to contest the existing dominant order. With a focus on political opportunity structures, collective action networks and framing strategies, he combines a theoretical discussion of social change in the knowledge society with empirical analyses of four recent developments: software patents in Europe, access to medicines, Creative Commons licensing and Pirate Parties. Review: '[Haunss] considers that 'the politicization of IP ... is embedded in more wide-ranging processes of social change associated with the transformation of industrial societies into knowledge societies'. The book states that from those conflicts have emerged new collective actors 'with the ability to contest the existing dominant order.' Maeli Astruc, Intellectual Property Watch '[This] study is a clear 'must' for all intellectual property specialists with an interest in the political dimension of intellectual property.' Alex Metzger, Journal of Intellectual Property 'Sebastian Haunss studies the most visible movements that have challenged international intellectual property (IP) regimes ... a good overview of recent IP conflicts for those hoping to gain a better understanding of the stakes involved.' Eden Medina, Journal of the Association for Information Science and Technology