A European Identity in Global Campaigning? Activist Groups and the ‘Seattle to Brussels’ (S2B) Network

Bibliographic Data

ID7785151
AuthorsMichael Strange (0000-0002-2903-7267, Malmö University, corresponding author)
Year2013
Volume18
Issue3
Pages612-632
Publication date2013-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueGeopolitics (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1465-0045 • E-ISSN: 1557-3028
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/14650045.2012.752355
OpenAlexW2059130709
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited15

What does it mean when activist networks describe themselves as ‘European’ or ‘Global’? Existing studies into the geographic character of such networks have focused on the interplay between multiple ‘levels’. However, there is a need for greater research on the discursive function played by geographic descriptors within the formation of activist networks. This article examines the use of multiple geographic descriptors to articulate a particular activist network – the ‘Seattle to Brussels’ (S2B) network – consisting of European-based groups contesting the form of multilateral trade governance embodied in the WTO. To map out how groups forged relations with one another under a ‘European’ identity, the article applies a discourse theoretical analysis to extensive empirical data including interviews with activists and participant observation at key events. The article has relevance to understanding both how transnational protest networks are formed and the role of multiple geographic signifiers in global politics

Aesthetics · Contentious politics · Corporate governance · Embodied cognition · Epistemology · Political science · Politics · Social movement · Sociology · European Union Policy and Governance · Gender Studies · Law · Political Influence and Corporate Strategies · World Trade Organization Law

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