ABSTRACT
The role of transnational civil society in environmental affairs has been subject to much scholarly attention (e.g. Lipschutz 1996; Wapner 1996), and it is recognized that environmental advocacy networks have evolved into truly transnational social movement organizations (TSMOs) (Roots 1999; Smith et al. 1997). To indicate this subject’s global reach, Beck has developed the concept of ‘world risk society’ by focusing on environmental issues as truly global dangers or ‘world’ problems (1999: 15), which cut across territorial and class boundaries yet create new international inequalities (1992). Pointing to the power of legal and scientific experts in defining risks, Beck argues that knowledge gains a new political significance (1992: 23). This can also work for social movement actors in the form of ‘post-national risk communities’ that share risks without borders (1999: 16). In this sense, there is a link between Beck’s work and scholars who argue that the strength of transnational civil society lies in its communicative power (e.g. Dryzek 1999). The role of networks has thereby been highlighted. I will add to this view by arguing that electronic (e-) mobilization and cyber-activism may contribute to the communicative power of transnational activism and hence to democratic ways of conducting alternative participatory politics.
