Advocacy in Conflict: Critical Perspectives on Transnational Activism

Conflicts in Africa, Asia and Latin America have become a common focus of advocacy by western celebrities and specialist advocacy organizations. This provocative volume delves into the realities of these efforts, which have often had to make major compromises of integrity in the pursuit of profile and influence, rather than the classic mass movements for social change which provide their ostensible inspiration.

Examining the methods used by western advocates, how they relate to local or national campaigns in the countries concerned, and their impacts, Reclaiming Activism evaluates the successes and failures of past advocacy campaigns and offers constructive criticism of current efforts. Taking in a range of high-profile case studies, including campaigns for democracy in Burma and Latin America, the rights of Palestinians in Gaza, and the Lord's Resistance Army in Uganda, as well as advocacy regarding human trafficking, disability rights, land rights and the global arms trade, the authors challenge the assumptions and agendas set forth by advocacy organizations.

An agenda-setting publication for all scholars, activists and journalists concerned with conflict and human rights.