This collection of commissioned papers provides a variety of perspectives on the impact of global information networks. The following articles are included: "The Promise of Global Networks: An Introduction" (Jorge Reina Schement); "Architecture and Expectations: Networks of the World--Unite!" (Marjory S. Blumenthal); "The Regulation of Global Networks: A European Perspective" (Luigi Prosperetti); "The Internet in the Other Three-Quarters of the World" (Bella Mody); "Business on the Net: A Primer on New Realities" (Richard D. Taylor); "How Will Work Change? E-Lancers, Empowerment and Guilds" (Thomas W. Malone and Robert J. Laubacher); "Global Networks Toward New Communities" (John D. H. Downing); and "Cybercrime, Cyberterrorism, and Network Warfare" (John M. Fabry). A brief profile of each author is provided. Individual papers contain endnotes. (AEF)