Who is the author of 'Infomocracy'?

The author of 'Infomocracy' is Malka Older.

What are the main themes in 'Infomocracy'?

The main themes in 'Infomocracy' include Political Philosophy, Dystopian, Science Fiction.

What genre is 'Infomocracy'?

'Infomocracy' is categorized as Science Fiction.

What is the central premise of 'Infomocracy'?

The central premise of 'Infomocracy' by Malka Older revolves around a future society where governments are determined by a system of information and data, particularly through a global voting platform known as "Microdemocracy." In this world, the population is organized into districts, and citizens can vote for their preferred government every 100 days. The story explores themes of power, democracy, information control, and the implications of technology on political systems, focusing on characters who navigate the complexities of this new political landscape amidst tensions and conflicts.

Who are the main characters in the book and what roles do they play?

In 'Infomocracy' by Malka Older, the main characters include: Sarah Mariayana - A researcher with a significant role tied to information management, Sarah is deeply involved in the political landscape shaped by the global information system. Masaakaki - A member of the opposing faction, Masaakaki provides a contrasting perspective on the political system and its implications, which challenges the main characters. Daphne - A campaigner who is focused on improving the political process through innovative approaches and communication strategies. Hugh - An operative with connections to various political movements, Hugh navigates the complexities of political alliances and motivations. These characters navigate a world where information and governance are deeply intertwined, each representing different facets of the new political landscape that the novel explores.

What themes related to technology and governance are explored in 'Infomocracy'?

In 'Infomocracy' by Malka Older, several themes related to technology and governance are explored: The Impact of Information on Democracy: The novel examines how access to information influences political power and decision-making. The omnipresence of information and the way it shapes public opinion and governmental accountability are central to the narrative. Surveillance and Privacy: The book reflects on the implications of surveillance technologies and how they affect personal freedoms, privacy, and societal control. It questions the balance between security and individual rights in the age of pervasive data collection. Hyperlocal Governance: Older introduces a concept of micro-democracies where governance is localized, enabled by technological platforms. This theme raises questions about representation, community identity, and the efficacy of government at various scales. Algorithmic Decision-Making: The role of algorithms in political processes is a significant theme in the story. It explores how biased algorithms can impact elections, policy-making, and social order, challenging the notion of objectivity in governance. Civic Engagement and Mobilization: The book emphasizes the potential of technology to enhance civic engagement, allowing citizens to participate actively in the democratic process. It explores how digital platforms can facilitate political mobilization and grassroots movements. Overall, 'Infomocracy' uses these themes to scrutinize the future of governance in a world increasingly shaped by technological advancements.

How does the concept of 'information' influence the political landscape in the story?

In 'Infomocracy' by Malka Older, the concept of 'information' plays a crucial role in shaping the political landscape. The story is set in a near-future world where a global information system called "Monitored Democracy" manages elections and voting processes. This system allows citizens to access real-time information about candidates, policies, and political actions, empowering them to make informed decisions. The proliferation of information creates a dynamic and fluid political environment, where political power is heavily dependent on the ability to disseminate and analyze data effectively. Different political parties and factions compete to gain control over information channels, as they recognize that manipulation or control of information can significantly impact public perception and voter behavior. This focus on information influences not only the strategies of political groups but also the overall structure of governance, leading to a fragmented political landscape where micro-democracies can emerge based on local information and interests. Ultimately, the manipulation and flow of information become central to the plot, exploring themes of power, surveillance, and the implications of a society governed by data-driven decision-making.

In what ways does 'Infomocracy' reflect contemporary issues in democracy and information management?

'Infomocracy' by Malka Older reflects contemporary issues in democracy and information management through its exploration of a world where information is democratized, yet manipulated by powerful entities. The novel is set in a future society governed by a global information management system called "Centenal," which allows citizens to vote and choose governance based on their preferences using vast amounts of data. Data Privacy and Surveillance: The story highlights concerns about data privacy as the Centenal system utilizes personal information to tailor political choices, paralleling contemporary debates over how much personal data should be collected and used by tech companies and governments. Political Microtargeting: The novel addresses issues related to microtargeting and the fragmentation of information. Political campaigns in 'Infomocracy' use sophisticated algorithms to reach specific demographics, similar to current practices in elections where data analytics shape voter outreach. Trust in Information Sources: The book emphasizes the challenge of discerning trustworthy information amidst an overload of data, reflecting contemporary struggles with misinformation, fake news, and the reliability of sources. Global Governance vs. Local Autonomy: 'Infomocracy' discusses the tension between global governance structures and localized political identities, mirroring current discussions about the effectiveness of supranational organizations versus national sovereignty. Civic Engagement and Agency: The novel encourages civic engagement through the innovative use of technology in voting, mirroring ongoing movements that seek to enhance participation and transparency in democratic processes. Through these themes, 'Infomocracy' serves as both a cautionary tale and a thought experiment regarding the intersection of technology, governance, and the evolving nature of democracy in the digital age.

Infomocracy Book Summary

In a future where governments are obsolete and information reigns supreme, ‘Infomocracy’ unveils a world ruled by a global monitoring system called the ‘Centenal’. Amidst the chaos of a pivotal election, three diverse protagonists navigate a web of conspiracy, power struggles, and digital manipulation. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of information and governance, they must question the very essence of democracy. What happens when knowledge is both a tool for empowerment and a weapon of control? ‘Infomocracy’ challenges readers to ponder the intricate relationship between information and freedom in an increasingly interconnected world.

By Malka Older

Published: 2017

"In a world drowned in information, clarity is not just power—it's survival."

Read Infomocracy, the first book in Campbell Award finalist Malka Older's groundbreaking cyberpunk political thriller series The Centenal Cycle, a finalist for the Hugo Award for Best Series, and the novel NPR called "Kinetic and gripping." • A Locus Award Finalist for Best First Novel • The book The Huffington Post called "one of the greatest literary debuts in recent history" • One of Kirkus' "Best Fiction of 2016" • One of The Washington Post's "Best Science Fiction and Fantasy of 2016" • One of Book Riot's "Best Books of 2016 So Far" It's been twenty years and two election cycles since Information, a powerful search engine monopoly, pioneered the switch from warring nation-states to global micro-democracy. The corporate coalition party Heritage has won the last two elections. With another election on the horizon, the Supermajority is in tight contention, and everything's on the line. With power comes corruption. For Ken, this is his chance to do right by the idealistic Policy1st party and get a steady job in the big leagues. For Domaine, the election represents another staging ground in his ongoing struggle against the pax democratica. For Mishima, a dangerous Information operative, the whole situation is a puzzle: how do you keep the wheels running on the biggest political experiment of all time, when so many have so much to gain? Infomocracy is Malka Older's debut novel. THE CENTENAL CYCLE Book 1: Infomocracy Book 2: Null States Book 3: State Tectonics PRAISE FOR INFOMOCRACY “A fast-paced, post-cyberpunk political thriller... If you always wanted to put The West Wing in a particle accelerator with Snow Crash to see what would happen, read this book.” —Max Gladstone, author of Last First Snow "Smart, ambitious, bursting with provocative extrapolations, Infomocracy is the big-data-big-ideas-techno-analytical-microdemoglobal-post-everything political thriller we've been waiting for." —Ken Liu, author of The Grace of Kings "In the mid-21st century, your biggest threat isn’t Artificial Intelligence—it’s other people. Yet the passionate, partisan, political and ultimately fallible men and women fighting for their beliefs are also Infomocracy’s greatest hope. An inspiring book about what we frail humans could still achieve, if we learn to work together." —Karl Schroeder, author of Lockstep and the Virga saga

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