Sesi 1. Gerakan Sosial Global dan Hubungan Internasional (Bag. 1)

Summary

The lecture delves into the significance of global social movements in political science and international relations, using examples like the Black Lives Matter movement and anti-neoliberal demonstrations. It emphasizes how these movements emerge from and challenge larger political structures, such as neoliberal globalization. The discussion highlights the strategies and diverse perspectives that shape social movements, focusing on the importance of understanding their context, theory, and strategic approaches. The lecture ultimately aims to help students design research on global social movements, emphasizing their critical and transformative nature in global politics.

Takeaways

• 😀 Social movements, such as Black Lives Matter, can transcend local contexts and grow into global movements, as seen in the 2020 protests.
• 🌍 Global social movements (GSM) are vital for understanding political change, as they challenge oppressive global structures, such as neoliberalism.
• 🕊️ The study of GSM provides insight into how non-state actors can drive social change, which is key in International Relations and Political Science.
• 🔄 Local issues, like racial injustice in the U.S., can lead to worldwide movements addressing broader systemic problems, such as colonialism and inequality.
• 📚 Global movements are not only about challenging state power but also about offering alternative visions of how the world should operate.
• 💡 The study of GSM in this class focuses on research and theory, not activism, helping students critically analyze movements and their impact.
• 🛠️ Students will explore the structural dynamics that lead to social movements, understanding the global context in which these movements arise.
• 🔍 Different theoretical perspectives on social movements will be examined to assess their impact on global politics, beyond state-to-state relations.
• 🗣️ The course emphasizes the importance of critically assessing the strategies used by movements, particularly in response to neoliberal globalization.
• ⚡ The class provides a framework for understanding how movements evolve, offering critiques of mainstream ideologies and advocating for change.
• 📊 The study of GSM is inherently normative, aiming not just to explain phenomena but also to understand how to change the world for a more just and equitable future.

Q & A

Why is it important to study global social movements in the context of international relations and political science?

Studying global social movements is essential in international relations and political science because these movements challenge traditional state-centric views and offer a broader understanding of global political dynamics, emphasizing non-state actors' roles in shaping political agendas and social change.

What was the significance of the Black Lives Matter movement, and how did it spread globally?

The Black Lives Matter movement began in response to the death of George Floyd in 2020 and rapidly spread across the world due to its appeal to universal issues such as racial injustice, colonial history, and global solidarity. It demonstrated the potential of social media and digital networks to facilitate transnational protests, even amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

How did Black Lives Matter's message evolve in different countries like Australia?

In Australia, the Black Lives Matter movement extended beyond racial issues to include calls for rethinking colonial histories and confronting systemic racism. For instance, protests in Western Australia involved the removal of colonial-era statues and the rewriting of historical narratives to address the violence of colonialism.

What role does neoliberal globalization play in shaping the dynamics of social movements?

Neoliberal globalization shapes social movements by creating structural inequalities that prompt resistance. Movements challenge economic policies that prioritize market forces over social welfare, and these global forces often serve as a backdrop for organizing protests against neoliberal policies.

What has changed in the way social movements challenge neoliberalism compared to 20 years ago?

While earlier movements focused on opposing institutions like the IMF, World Bank, and WTO, contemporary movements have shifted focus to more localized or diversified critiques of neoliberalism. The critique now often centers on issues like the liberalization of higher education and more subtle, internal forms of neoliberal governance.

What is the significance of the 'Battle of Seattle' in understanding global social movements?

The 'Battle of Seattle' refers to the massive protests against the WTO's 1999 summit, marking a pivotal moment in the history of global social movements. It highlighted the transnational nature of resistance against neoliberal policies and demonstrated the capacity of diverse activist groups to unite under common goals.

How does the study of global social movements differ from traditional international relations theories like realism?

Traditional international relations theories like realism focus on state-centric analyses, where conflict and competition between states are the primary concerns. In contrast, studying global social movements highlights the role of non-state actors, social justice, and collective action, emphasizing ideological struggles over state interests.

Why is the study of global social movements considered normative in political science?

The study of global social movements is normative because it not only seeks to explain social phenomena but also to challenge and change the status quo. The aim is to transform societal structures and promote ideals like justice and equality, advocating for a more equitable global order.

What are the two main approaches to studying social movements in this class?

The class focuses on two main approaches to studying social movements: first, analyzing the dynamics of large, oppressive structures like neoliberal globalization that give rise to social movements; second, examining the strategic approaches movements use, including whether they adhere to hegemonic politics or embrace more anarchistic, decentralized forms of resistance.

How does the global political landscape influence the strategies used by social movements?

The strategies of social movements are influenced by the global political landscape, particularly the structural forces like neoliberalism and global capitalism. Movements adapt their strategies based on these dynamics, either through direct confrontation with institutions or by utilizing alternative, grassroots approaches to create change.