Delegation Process of Virtual Countries: From Non-State Actors To State Actors

Abstract

The identity of each nation on the Internet is represented through country code top-level domain names (ccTLDs). This article uses regime theory to describle the process of delegating ccTLDs, also known as virtual countries. Initially, non-state actors appointed by the emperor of virtual countries, Jon Postel, administered the virtual countries. There was no challenge from state actors until the ICANN regime was created by the US government in 1998. Unlike other international regine, the ICANN 'regime' recognizes non-state actors as decision makers while state actors as advisors for the virtual countries in their decision-making process. This has often led to conflicts within the national regime of many virtual countries. This study found that more and more state actors have expressed their willingness and interests in administering their virtual countries. Governments have started to emerge as a threatening power to the nbon-state actors of the virtual regime as a competitive power in managing the virtual countries.