ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on development-induced displacement and resettlement (DIDR) activism in urban areas to better understand the strategies that activists employ and to examine the extent to which they have changed the balance of power and outcomes of displacement and resettlement. It provides background information on the approach of DIDR analysts to activism and the role of activists in urban areas. The chapter considers urban activism in the context of DIDR. One presents major activist strategies while the other discusses the success of activists in bringing about change. The other strategies of DIDR activism are sometimes complemented by demonstrations to reinforce media attention, broaden public support, and increase pressure on politicians. Activist organizations marched against the Washington, D. C., freeway, the planned Mumbai metro, and other Mumbai initiatives. 'Achievements of DIDR activism is enormously difficult for local populations adversely affected by DIDR to influence their own situation', claimed William Fisher in his discussion of global DIDR activism.
