Going Transnational?: Dynamics and Challenges of Linking Local Claims to Global Advocacy Networks in Southeast Asia

Abstract

In Southeast Asia, especially since the 1997 financial crisis, there has been a growing tendency, for NGOs, social movements and activist networks to organize and work transnationally. This paper explores one specific component of Sidney Tarrow's most recent work on transnational activism, namely "the political processes that activists trigger to connect their local claims to those of others across borders and to international institutions, regimes, and processes. " In doing so, I will try to answer the following questions: Is the emergence and expansion of transnational activism in Southeast Asia comparable to other regions of the world? What are the reasons that motivate local activists and how do they inscribe their demands and claims in transnational coalitions, networks and campaigns? And, in what ways does this participation in such form of collective action afSect local level activism and influence for public policy changes? Using a process tracing approach, the proposed paper

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