The democratic deficit of transnational environmental activism

A case study of e-waste governance in India

Dados Bibliográficos

ID5042437
AutoresThomas Swerts (0000-0001-6802-2853, University of Chicago, autor correspondente)
Ano2013
Volume13
Fascículo4
Páginas498-516
Data de publicação2013-10-01
Peer ReviewedSim
Open AccessSim
TipoARTICLE
PeriódicoGlobal Networks (JOURNAL)
Identificadores do periódicoISSN: 1470-2266 • E-ISSN: 1471-0374
EditoraWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/glob.12009
OpenAlexW2054525842
IdiomaEN
Citações recebidas2
Referências citadas24

The literature on transnational activism often associates environmental NGOs with democratic legitimacy, grassroots representation and environmental justice. Authors employ case studies to demonstrate how engaging in transnational networks increases the political agency of environmental NGOs. Yet, there is a tendency mostly to select successful cases. In this article, I investigate the political activities of the environmental NGO, Toxics Link, surrounding the recycling of electronic waste in India. Based on qualitative research, this study shows how the political incorporation of Toxics Link in transnational advocacy networks and domestic governance networks constrains their political agency. The structural exclusion of e-waste labourers from Indian policy negotiations negates the discursive claims of legitimacy, representation and justice. These incorporation processes create a democratic deficit. I use the insights gained from this case study to provide a critical assessment of theories of transnational environmental activism

Business · Corporate governance · Democracy · democratic deficit · Democratic legitimacy · Environmental governance · Environmental justice · Grassroots · Legitimacy · Negotiation · Political economy · Political science · Politics · Social science · Sociology · International Development and Aid · Law · Mining and Resource Management · Public Administration · Water Governance and Infrastructure