Description
Book SynopsisSarah S. Stroup challenges the notion that political activism has gone beyond borders and created a global or transnational civil society. She offers detailed profiles of "varieties of activism" in the United States, Britain, and France.
Trade ReviewA main strength of the book is its research design. While most studies of INGO's apply single case study method, the cross- and within-country comparative case analysis method sets a precedence for future studies. With this well-rounded research design and a sound analytical framework, Stroup makes a compelling case of national influence on INGOs. Academics and scholars in the fields of NGO studies, international development and global politics would find this book particularly interesting. The detailed case analyses of organizational strategies and practices may also help INGO leaders design programs and adopt practices that fit both national and global context.
-- Lili Wang * Voluntas *
"OverallStroup's book is a much-needed corrective to the too-easy assumption that a "global civil society" is emerging.... Stroup's work opens the door to greater scholarly focus on the tensions within what are often claimed to be "global" movements for rights or the environment."—Clifford Bob
* Mobilization *
In explaining how national environments mold INGOs, Stroup provides important insights into the strengths and limitations of these entities. Borrowing from social movement scholar Sidney Tarrow, Stroup defines INGOs as rooted cosmopolitans grounded in nation-states yet striving to affirm global values. Borders among Activists should be required reading for anyone interested in navigating the sea of organizations in the age of globalization.
* American Journal of Sociology *
Sarah Stroup's excellent new book shows that such convergence claims are overblownat least if humanitarian and human rights INGOs are any measure.... OverallStroup's book is a much-needed corrective to the too-easy assumption that a "global civil society" is emerging. Borders among Activists helps initiate an important new area of studyon the "varieties of activism".... Stroup’s careful analysis offers a reliable conceptual and methodological guide to tackling the issue." — Clifford Bob
* Mobilization: An International Quarterly *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Where Have All the Borders Gone?
1. Varieties of Activism in Three Countries
2. Humanitarian INGOs
3. Human Rights INGOs
4. Reconciling Global and LocalAppendix A: Case Selection
Appendix B: Interviews ConductedReferences
Index
