The Cyberspace “War Of Ink And Internet” In Chiapas, Mexico By Oliver Froehling Presented By Matthew MacLean

Background of the Conflict January 1 st, 1994 – Zapatista’s (EZLN), composed mostly of Mayan Indians, occupy several towns in the Mexican state of Chiapas. After 12 days of fighting, and 145 deaths, mostly Zapatistas, a cease fire was called. Zapatistas retreated from occupied towns into the jungle. Negotiations began, with the Zapatistas issuing a number of demands.

Background cont’d… The actions of Zapatista rebels caught world wide attention. A network of electronic support was created. December, 1994 – Mexican economy crashes, arrest warrants issued for Zapatista leaders.

Background Cont’d… Army moves into Chiapas. Mexican people protest the governments actions. International protests begin, Mexican troops are ordered to stop. Zapatista leaders still at large. Conflict continues, negotiations proceed at a slow pace.

Mexican State of Chiapas

Media’s Involvement in the Conflict Mexican television was State controlled, providing little coverage. Most information coming out of Mexico was from the print media. Zapatista leader Marcos, became an instant celebrity, through interviews with 60 Minutes, Vanity Fair and Time.

Role of the Internet Access to the internet is scarce in Chiapas. In this case the internet was used outside of the immediate area of struggle to draw attention to the conflict. At first internet was used by academics to provide information on the conflict. As the conflict went on more information sites were created, also many and fax campaigns began urging the Mexican government to come to a non-military solution.

Role of the Internet Internet provided a wealth of information, the only problem was if the information was reliable. There was no way to filter information, the reader was forced to determine what was true. The Internet filled in for the lack of coverage of mainstream news agencies. Cyber-Zapatistas.

Where was the Battle Fought? As the conflict progressed the Internet played a greater role. Raised international visibility of the conflict. Mexican government unable to suppress information on the conflict.

Battle in Cyberspace The conflict in Chiapas was no longer a territorial battle. The fight had moved into cyberspace. Plight of the Zapatistas was known worldwide via the Internet. International publicity prevented the Mexican government from resolving the conflict quickly and violently.

Some Conclusions Careful planning by the Zapatistas was critical. “Postmodern revolution”. First revolution of the 21 st Century. Strategies and techniques are new.

Some Conclusions Initially the territorial conflict was of immediate concern. As the conflict progressed the real battle was fought in cyberspace. Sympathizers to the Zapatista cause used the Internet to publicize the conflict and sway the actions of the Mexican Government.

Final Thought “The Internet enabled the Zapatistas to sustain a struggle over scale by challenging the containment efforts of the Mexican Government. It provided an environment in which multiple national and international actors sympathetic to the Zapatistas could be drawn into the conflict, pressuring the Mexican government and influencing its actions-not directly but because of what the government feared would happen.”