Study Group: Transnational Advocacy in the Digital Era, Think Global, Act Local

​Join Ioana Peterscu, M-RCBG Senior Fellow and Nina Hall from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) for a discussion.

 
Digital advocacy organizations are a novel, significant addition to the international arena and are shaping public opinion on climate change, trade and refugees. They derive power from their ability to rapidly mobilize members online and offline on a range of issues, in contrast to most non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which wield power through their expertise on, and long-term commitment to, a single issue. Digital advocacy organizations have built a transnational network around a common mode of advocacy, and share technology, tactics, and strategies. Despite operating in a globalized world they tackle transnational problems by focusing on national targets because they see the state as the locus of power. International relations scholars have acknowledged the power of networks in international politics, but have not examined this new generation of digital advocacy organizations and how they are harnessing digitally networked power.