"This volume addresses an important aspect in the political life of most societies today: limitations on freedom of expression and the existence of censorship. As a topic for research, study, and reflection-particularly in its comparative dimension-freedom of expression is a somewhat neglected area. The vast majority of studies in this field focus either on a specific aspect of freedom of expression or on a specific country. The current volume, however, assumes that there is much to be gained by studying freedom of expression and censorship practices broadly and comparatively. In a world grown small, global perspective is possible and beneficial, particularly when it is applied to an issue of great relevance for all societies."