ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the challenge to think through how antiviolence work can engage with the notion of imperialism, an important component of current transnational theories. Both Marxist and postcolonial thought form fundamental bases for transnational feminist work, which in turn frames each as inadequate to capture the gendered effects of globalized capitalism. Beyond the regular tensions involved in feminist work in institutions, the meetings were taking place during a period of institutional uncertainty and instability at the university. The chapter proposes the concept of trastorno transfronterizo/border breakdown to interpret and describe experiences that at first seemed only unproductive and conflictual. With this concept, the chapter articulates how feminist border crossing can easily pass from the confidence of working with shared ideals, to confusion and failure of recognition when participants fully acknowledge the heavy intertwining of culture and language, and the gulf of power and context between them.
