Transnational Networks of Support for the Zapatista Rebellion :: Zapatista Rebellion Globalization Essays

Transnational Networks of Support for the Zapatista Rebellion Globalization, the term use to describe the dominant inclosework of international relations following the unwarmed war, is affecting many aspects of politics and social experience. This is seen in the Zapatista uprising and apparent movement in Chiapas, Mexico that has benefited from globalization and transnational retain. This paper examines the relationship of transnationalism and social movements with the Zapatistas as a case study. In fussy, this paper argues that the Zapatistas are part of the anti-globalization troll of protest. As a result, they have used the master frame of this cycle of protest and aligned that frame in light of their particular situation. Because this frame was resonant with transnational activists a network of support was formed, which impels the government from above, change magnitude the chances of success of a movement. The paper concludes by examining the implications of the Zapatistas for social movement research, with particular regard for Tarrows strong thesis about movements in a transnational era While the roots of the Zapatista movement stretch easy back, the rebellion entered the publics consciousness on 1 January 1994 when some(prenominal) thousand indigenous Mexicans, mostly Mayans, wearing ski-masks and carrying antiquated rifles and wooden sticks in short seized several major urban centres in Chiapas, Mexico before withdrawing under pressure from the Mexican military. A cease-fire was declared on 12 January and since and so the two sides have not directly fought one another. Since the cessation of hostilities, the rebellion has essentially transformed into a social movement.1 The transformation was capped by a march on Mexico City March 2001 in which a caravan of Zapatistas, protected by the Mexican government, moved from Chiapas throughout Mexico to a climax in the zocalo in Mexico City. Subcomandante Marcos, th e spokesman and de facto leader of the movement, addressed a broad rally and other comandantes addressed the Mexican Congress. Many observers compared this moment to Martin Luther business leaders I Have a Dream speech during the American civil rights movement. (Klein 2001) Since the beginning of this movement/rebellion, the Zapatistas have demonstrated a odd ability to attract support from activists outside of Mexico. I refer to this support as transnational because it is rooted in no particular filth and spans much of the developed world.