Chapter 5

Transnationalism: The Alternative Orientation

The Origins and Impact of Transnationalism

Transnationalism: Phenomena that connect humans across nations and boundaries

Sources of transnationalism Global interactionHuman thought

Transnational Interaction

Scope and level will continue to expand

Transnational Economics

Economic interdependence Affects each of us directlyPromotes global/cultural familiarity through trade

Transnational Communications

Promotes common cultureFamiliarity with distant people

Effects of modern technologyUndermines authoritarian governmentsDistant events become realities through media

Transnational Transportation

Promotes familiarity Trade Tourism

Transnational organizations

Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs)

Increasing numberDisenchantment with existing political organizations

NGOs and transnationalism

Advance many causesWomen's issuesFacilitate networks of contacts and interaction

• Transnational Advocacy Networks (TANs)• Fourth UN World Conference on Women (WCW)

Pressure governments to support their causes

Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO)

Transnational Women's Movement

Gender Issues

Socioeconomic and political gender equality does not exist

Transnational Women's Movement: Philosophy and Goals

Diverse movementBeijing + 5 Conference

Women are underrepresented in world politics

Conceptual differences between male and female points of viewDiffering views of politics

PeaceSecurity

Agenda for changeIncrease women's political participation Improve women's reality

• Education: Impact of women's illiteracy on entire society

Transnational Women's Movement: Programs and Progress

Global conferencesUN Conference on Population and Development (UNCPD)Fourth World Conference on Women (WCW)

Impact

Cultural differences among women narrowingAdvancement of women in politics

Transnational Religion

Religion and World Politics

Ancient force in international politicsHumanisticSource of bloody conflict, subjugation of peoplesCrusades, Thirty Years' War, imperial era, Israel, India/Pakistan, Yugoslavia, IrelandExerts influence through IGOs and NGOs

Roman Catholic Church

The Strength of Religious Fundamentalism

Fundamentalism: Conservative religious values incorporated into secular political activities

Some believe religious affiliation should be political and supersede patriotism

Link between religious fundamentalism and nationalism • India: Hindu party

Transnational Culture

The Culture of McWorld Macrolevel approach

Common culture Language Modern communications Consumer products

Resistance to common culture

Cultural prideProtectionism: France

The Culture of Jihad

Conflict along cultural lines Samuel P. Huntington: The clash of civilizations

Eurocentrism• Rwanda• Kosovo

Racism, ethnic and religious intolerance-- Serbs Siege mentality in West

Transnationalism Tomorrow

Common culture versus nationalism