Modern societies are in the middle of a strategic, multi-dimensional competition for money, power and control over all aspects of the Internet and the Internet economy. This paper discusses the increasing pace of discord and the competing interests that are unfolding in the current debate concerning the control and governance of the Internet and its infrastructure. Understanding this debate requires an appreciation of the entangled economic, technical, regulatory, political and social interests implicated by the Internet. Those states that are prepared for and understand the many facets the Internet presents will likely end up on top.
