Nr. 61-62: Online Media in the South Caucasus

This issue of the Caucasus Analytical Digest describes the state of the art for electronic media in the South Caucasus. It covers various aspects of the online media in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan, from the internet users' general profile to the use of social networks by politicians. The article by Koba Turmanidze and Mariam Gabedava explores the social-economic profile of internet users in Georgia, as well as the similarities and differences between the users and non-users in terms of political attitudes and religiosity, based on the Caucasus Barometer 2013. The article by Lia Tsuladze continues the topic of using online media in Georgia, focusing on the specifics of civic engagement via social media and inquiring whether and to what extent online civic activities translate into actions outside cyberspace. The article by Tatevik Sargsyan discusses the traditional news media vis-à-vis the online alternative in Armenia, exploring the factors that have made it possible for Armenian online media to break through the conventional control mechanisms. The article by Ulviyya Asadzade analyzes the state of e-democracy in Azerbaijan, followed by Tariyel Jalalli's discussion of the use of online media, particularly social networks, for political communication by the Azerbaijani government and opposition.