Hybrid transnational advocacy networks in environmental protection: banning the use of cyanide in European gold mining

Alexandra-Maria Bocse

doi:10.1007/s10784-020-09492-6

Abstract

This paper contributes theoretically, empirically and methodologically to the literature on transnational advocacy networks (TANs). This study is guided by two associated research questions: ‘How are TANs structured?’ and ‘What relation is established between the TANs’ structure and their efficiency?’ The paper shows that environmental transnational advocacy networks are not as horizontal as assumed in the TANs literature. Elements of hierarchy are present in networks through highly connected and/or strategically positioned nodes. This paper shows that elements of hierarchy are introduced in networks to facilitate information exchange and decision-making. The paper studies for the first time the TAN advocating the ban of cyanide-based mining in Europe in the late 2000s–early 2010s. The network aimed to impact the EU environmental legislative framework, as well as contribute to the implementation of international agreements on pollution prevention and biodiversity protection. This study draws on extensive fieldwork (including interviews with forty-five members of the network) conducted in several European countries in which the network developed and maintains branches. The study innovates methodologically by combining content analysis and social network analysis in the process of determining the more central actors of the network studied.

Highlights

The proliferation of transnational networks led to an increasing interest among international relations scholars in investigating their role in world politics (Castells 1996; Keck and Sikkink 1998; Betsill and Bulkeley 2004; Kahler 2009a; Yanacopulos 2009)
This study is guided by two associated research questions: ‘How are transnational advocacy networks (TANs) structured?’ and ‘What relation is established between the TANs’ structure and their efficiency?’
The paper finds that claims related to the presence of hierarchy in networks made by Carpenter (2011) and Lake and Wong (2009) in relation to security and, respectively, human rights networks are valid for environmental transnational advocacy networks

Summary

Introduction

The proliferation of transnational networks led to an increasing interest among international relations scholars in investigating their role in world politics (Castells 1996; Keck and Sikkink 1998; Betsill and Bulkeley 2004; Kahler 2009a; Yanacopulos 2009). This research studies the case of a Central and Eastern European (CEE) transnational advocacy network calling for the banning of cyanide-based mining in several EU countries and in the whole EU, given its potential to harm the environment This informal social structure will be referred to as the cyanide ban network (CBN). The study represents a valuable empirical contribution to the TAN literature being the first to analyze the cyanide ban opposition in Central and Eastern Europe in the TAN framework In this way, the paper aims to respond to the need to expand the set of case studies on international networks and transnational advocacy networks (Kahler 2009a; Carpenter 2011). The concluding part of the paper makes some final remarks and points toward new avenues for research

Theoretical framework and research design

The cyanide ban network

Hubs in the cyanide ban network

Explaining the presence of hubs

Conclusion