Activists Beyond Borders

The authors examine a type of pressure group they regard as largely ignored by political analysts: networks of activists that coalesce and operate across national frontiers. Their targets may be international organizations or the policies of particular states. Historical examples of such transborder alliances include anti-slavery and woman suffrage campaigns. In the past two decades, transnational activism has had a significant impact in human rights, especially in Latin America, and advocacy networks have strongly influenced environmental politics too. The authors also examine the emergence of an international campaign around violence against women. The conventions of the nation-state have shaped our contemporary understanding of the process and politics of social movements. Keck and Sikkink sketch the dynamics of emergence, strategies and impact of activists from different nationalities working together on particular issues.