ABSTRACT
In Chapter 8, transnational political networks in Vienna are described based on interviews with activists and an analysis of their Facebook activism. In Vienna, mobilisations took place on a much smaller scale than in Paris and mainly emanated from associations that sought to represent ‘the Egyptian community’ or parts of it. These associations were thus mostly defined by national origin or religious affiliation. In contrast to Paris, the second generation was more visible as actors, while a ‘revolutionary youth’ did not emerge. Unlike Paris, associations already existed that were established by the first generation to represent the Egyptian community as a whole prior to 2011. This had an important influence on mobilisations, as they rejected taking open political positions. Other groups and networks therefore emerged that did mobilise for political action. Some of these groups grew out of youth groups amongst the second generation, while others were founded by established Egyptians amongst the first generation who felt their positions were in conflict with those of the traditional associations. This was true both for groups mobilising against the Muslim Brotherhood and for those mobilising in its favour.
