Transnational advocacy networks in international and regional politics

Abstract

Transnational networks of activists play an increasingly important role in international and regional politics, and have contributed to changing policies of multilateral organizations and states. Transnational advocacy networks represent a particular type of transnational activism, in which principles and values play an important role in motivating network actors. These are particularly visible in such contentious areas as human rights, the environment and women's rights. This essay examines the emergence, strategies and impact of networks of activists of different nationalities that organize around these issues. It concludes that the actions of such networks provide an important part of explanations for both normative and policy change in the international system.