Intro to IR / social movements Flashcards
What is civil society?
the term used to describe all public spheres separate from the apparatus of the states and economic market, which serve as locations of political participation and discursive interaction
Examples of civil society
Public interest groups, churches, professional entities
NOT the police, courts nor government admin
What do all groups part of civil society have in common?
They are united by independent operation away from government - in that they offer assistance and advocacy through volunteerism
Social movements challenge what?
status quo
finish this sentence
social movements have reshaped
social, cultural, political, legal and economic spheres
how have social movements altered the way we define success?
not overnight/immediate - small wins and huge failures have defined the SQ
Questioning who shapes the field of IR and ‘actual IR’?
How can internal conflict affect the trajectory of social movements?
Internal conflicts are common in social movements, with none of them following a linear path.
These conflicts can arise due to disagreements over goals, strategies, or leadership.
Movements often grapple with hierarchies, divisions, and power struggles within their ranks.
Efforts to address internal conflicts are essential for maintaining cohesion and momentum.
What are some challenges faced by social movements in terms of language and representation?
Tokenization occurs when individuals or groups are included in the movement merely for symbolic purposes, without genuine empowerment.
Tokenization undermines the authenticity and inclusivity of the movement.
when did the women’s history movements start?
Originating in the 19th century, women’s history movements initially focused on legal rights, education, employment, and gender inequality.
What methods did the WHM use over time?
Tactics evolved from non-violent methods like marches and demonstrations to more confrontational actions such as destruction of art and “lock-on” tactics.
What success did the WHM achieve and did it face any knockbacks?
Despite internal conflicts and anti-feminist sentiments, women’s movements achieved significant milestones like institutionalizing women’s voting rights.
Beyond policy changes, these movements impacted wider socio-cultural narratives and promoted gender mainstreaming.
How do social movements challenge traditional notions of nation-states
Social movements push the boundaries of normative frameworks and challenge dominant discourses in international politics.
They influence the normative foundations of global and national governance structures.
States are not the sole agents in international politics; movements and non-state actors also exert influence.
Feminist IR theory emerges as a response to changing global environments and challenges traditional notions of gender and power dynamics in international relations.
What characterised the decolonialisation movements of mid-C20?
Decolonization movements emerged from a long struggle against colonial rule, marked by power struggles and occasional violence.
They gained momentum in the mid-20th century, leading to a massive wave of decolonization.
These movements were interconnected globally, inspiring each other and challenging colonial hierarchies.
Examining decolonization movements requires considering class, gender, race, and the Global South’s perspectives, often neglected in traditional narratives.
