Abstract: | ABSTRACT. The introduction and rapid diffusion of the World Wide Web for commercial purposes provides states with opportunities to present themselves to millions of other governmental, business, and individual consumers. In the world of expanding electronic commerce, images and symbols are key elements in the messages that states use to promote themselves and to seek a competitive advantage. Content analyses of the official Web homepages of four small states—Singapore, Slovenia, Western Samoa, and Costa Rica—attest to the colorful, playful, and creative images designed to attract investors and tourists. |