Defining Transnational Social Movements

Questions and Answers

According to the provided text, what is a key characteristic that distinguishes transnational social movements from other forms of social movements?

They are primarily driven by economic motivations.

They involve individuals and groups from multiple countries. (correct)

They focus solely on local issues and concerns.

They operate within the confines of a single nation-state.

What is the primary role of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in facilitating transnational social movements?

ICT primarily serves to spread propaganda and misinformation.

ICT has minimal impact on the effectiveness of social movements.

ICT allows for coordination and mobilization of individuals across national boundaries. (correct)

ICT primarily acts as a tool for surveillance and control by governments.

Which of the following is NOT a key characteristic of contentious politics?

Involves challenges to power structures.

Often involves conflict and disagreement.

Emphasizes peaceful and non-violent methods. (correct)

Focuses on achieving social change.

The Bersih movement in Malaysia is an example of a transnational social movement because it:

Mobilized citizens across national borders to advocate for change. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of the new form of transnationalism?

It includes activities of nongovernmental actors acting autonomously. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of transnational social movements, as described in the text?

To advocate for political and social change. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of grassroots insurgency mentioned in the content?

MeeToo Signup and view all the answers

How do transnational social movements utilize ICT to achieve their goals?

ICT is used to mobilize supporters and raise awareness about their cause. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Bersih movement in the context of transnational social movements?

It demonstrates the use of ICT to organize and mobilize citizens across borders. Signup and view all the answers

What is one source of new transnational activity in politics?

Elite-driven transnational activist coalitions. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes international protest events from other forms of transnational activity?

They unite transnational and national groups against powerful targets. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between transnational social movements and international non-governmental organizations (INGOs)?

Transnational social movements are typically more decentralized and less formally structured. Signup and view all the answers

What role do International Non-governmental Organizations (INGOs) play in transnationalism?

They collaborate with states and international institutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes contentious politics in the context of new transnationalism?

Political activism that emerges from grassroots movements seeking international alliances. Signup and view all the answers

Transnational activist coalitions predominantly arise from which of the following?

Elite activists using domestic and international institutions. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of event brings attention to powerful targets like the International Monetary Fund?

International protest events. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key characteristic that distinguishes social movements from other forms of transnational action?

Their engagement in contentious politics and interaction with powerholders Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a form of transnational action as defined in the provided content?

International Political Parties Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'contentious politics' refer to?

Heated disagreement and conflict over political issues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a transnational social movement?

It has social and political bases outside its target state or society. Signup and view all the answers

According to the provided content, what is the role of ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) in transnational social movements?

ICT is essential for the formation and coordination of transnational social movements. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a Transnational Activist Network?

They are usually hierarchical in structure and tightly controlled. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

A transnational social movement is defined as "socially mobilized groups with constituents in at least two states, engaged in sustained contentious interaction with powerholders in at least one state other than their own, or against an international institution, or a multinational economic actor" (McAdam et al., 2001).

Forms of Transnational Action

There are three main forms of transnational action:
- Transnational Social Movements
- International Nongovernmental Organizations (INGOs)
- Transnational Activist Networks

Social movements engage in contentious politics and are defined by the kind of actions they routinely engage in.
Social movements are a form of contention characterized by "socially mobilized groups engaged in sustained contentious interaction with powerholders in which at least one actor is either a target or a participant" (McAdam et al., 2001).
To be transnational, a social movement must have social and political bases outside its target state or society.
To be a social movement, it must be clearly rooted within social networks and engaged in contentious, sustained interaction.
Examples of transnational social movements include the Bersih movement and the #MeToo movement.

The Bersih Movement

The Bersih movement was a non-partisan Malaysian citizens' movement that campaigned for clean and fair elections in Malaysia.
The movement utilized social media and blogs to raise awareness of the country's political state.

Sources of New Transnationalism

There are four main sources of new transnationalism in politics:
- Grassroots insurgencies (e.g. Bersih, #MeToo) that frame their claims globally and seek international support.
- International protest events (e.g. Occupy Wall Street) that bring together coalitions of transnational and national groups against powerful targets.
- Transnational activist coalitions against some national states (e.g. Save Darfur).
- International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) within and around international institutions and international treaty writing.

Role of ICTs

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) have begun to play an increasingly significant role in social movements, enabling citizens to coordinate and produce change in their community through collective action across national boundaries.

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Description

This quiz explores the definition of transnational social movements, including their characteristics and forms of action, as described by McAdam et al. in 2001.