Globalizing the Right-Wing: Conservative Activism and Transnational Politics

Abstract:     
Transnational activism by environmental, human rights, and other progressive groups has changed international policy and shaped global culture. Yet these movements do not act unopposed. Recently, powerful right-wing forces have also "gone global," though few scholars note this. This paper, part of a larger book project of the same name, proposes new theory on transnational conservative activism and its clashes with progressive groups. In addition, the paper presents a brief case study concerning the global conflict over gun control. Analyzing interlocking conflicts in national and international arenas, the article highlights the contending strategies of conservative and progressive forces as they promote their goals and undermine their foes. The result is a more complete and realistic understanding of transnational politics and an emergent "global civil society."

Number of Pages in PDF File: 12

Keywords: conservative, right-wing, gun control, NGOs, National Rifle Association, NRA, IANSA, transnational, globalization

JEL Classification: D79, K33, L31, L39, Z10

working papers series