In the wake of the massive and horrific natural disasters in Myanmar and China, it is important to examine how the provision of humanitarian relief relates to issues of voice and accountability. In a general sense, communication should be an absolutely vital element of any relief effort. Broadcasting or otherwise circulating crucial information about unsafe areas, survivor resources, and important health and public safety issues can help prevent further outbreaks of disease and post-disaster traumas. Apart from providing humanitarian information, an independent media sector (in tandem with civil society) can ensure that rebuilding efforts are consultative, transparent and accountable.
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For seven years now, Chinese academic Guo Liang has been tracking and analyzing patterns in Internet use in the People's Republic of China, presenting one of the most comprehensive overall pictures of the political and social effects of the technology. At a December event at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., Guo presented his latest findings from a survey of Internet usage and impact in seven Chinese cities. Among his more interesting findings: Posted under:
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Interesting news from China: 
Tom Jacobson, Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the School of Communications and Theater, Temple University. 
Caroline Jaine, 
Taeku Lee, Associate Professor of Political Science and Visiting Professor of Law at the University of California at Berkeley. 
