SMALL STATES AND CYBERBOOSTERISM

The introduction and rapid diffusion of the World Wide Web for commerc ial purposes provides states with opportunities to present themselves to millions of other government-al, business, and individual consumers . In the world of expanding electronic commerce, images and symbols ar e key elements in the messages that states use to promote themselves a nd to seek a competitive advantage. Content analyses of the official W eb homepages of four small states-Singapore, Slovenia, Western Samoa, and Costa Rica-attest to the colorful, playful, and creative images de signed to attract investors and tourists.