This thesis seeks to explore the relationship between information technologies, specifically the Internet, and the nation-state system and answer several important questions which impact the sovereignty of information: How does the Internet differ from previous forms of communication and media? How do these differences impact the sovereignty of information within the nation-state system? What has been the reaction of the nation-state to the Internet? What factors affect the nation-state's decision to place controls on Internet access? Chapter one of this thesis examines the Internet as a fundamental shift in the communications capability of humankind and argues that the Internet can be considered as a technology and standards regime which ensures the interoperability and technical standards of domestic computer networks that connect to the global Internet. An examination of the technological background of the Internet is presented in chapter two. This examination suggests that this new form of communication impacts the sovereign ability of the nation-state to control the flows of information both within and across its borders. Chapter three examines the role which international markets play in promoting the Internet regime. Markets desire compliance with the international regime in order to ensure transparency, security, and stability. Nation-states make a rational cost/benefits decision on the form which networking takes within their domestic boundaries and on what controls are placed upon access to the network. There have been varied and diverse responses to the question of network access; from national firewalls and strictly controlled access privileges, to legislative barriers and freedom of information movements. Chapter four introduces case studies of internet controls China, Saudi Arabia, and the US as examples of three different levels of control. Finally chapter five presents aggregate data which indicates a relationship between nation-state controlled access to the Internet and several different economic and social factors including: user populations, per-capita income, and high-technology imports.