ABSTRACT
In Cambodia and Vietnam, networks of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), individual activists and local communities have formed in the past two decades to advocate collectively for the common concerns of their members. This chapter presents empirical case studies of networks in Cambodia and Vietnam – with a focus on environmental controversies over dams and forests that link the two countries – and illustrates divergent network structures and advocacy strategies. Civil society networks in both Vietnam and Cambodia demonstrate the existence of more underlying activism than is often publicly acknowledged. Advocacy networks in Vietnam have developed through relationships between scientists, media, local NGOs and state officials. Vietnam Rivers Network began in 2005 as a discussion group among scientists and local government officials concerned about dams and flooding. Community advocacy is used to put public pressure on advocacy objects by involving more people and building links between local residents and elites.
