Grassroots Transnational Social Movement Activism: The Case of Peoples' Global Action

Abstract

The process of globalization has profoundly affected social movement activism. Globalization from above is countered by a globalization from below. Social movement activists in different parts of the world are linked by multiple formal and informal ties. This article argues that much of today's social movement activism takes place in a transboundary space enabling social movements to coordinate their activities. To theoretically account for this phenomenon, we need to move beyond the state-centric perspective that has informed most of the theories and analysis of social movements. This article illustrates this transnational social movement activism by describing the informal workings of the transnational network of Peoples' Global Action.