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

Transnational Networks of Support for the Zapatista Rebellion Globalization, the term used to describe the dominant framework of international relations following the cold war, is affecting many aspects of politics and complaisant experience. This is seen in the Zapatista rebellion and movement in Chiapas, Mexico that has benefited from globalization and transnational support. This paper examines the relationship of transnationalism and social movements with the Zapatistas as a case study. In particular, this paper argues that the Zapatistas are part of the anti-globalization beat 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 pressures the government from above, increasing the chances of supremacy of a movement. The paper concludes by examining the implications of the Zapati stas for social movement research, with particular regard for Tarrows strong thesis about movements in a transnational date of reference While the roots of the Zapatista movement stretch well back, the rebellion entered the publics consciousness on 1 January 1994 when several thousand indigenous Mexicans, in the main Mayans, wearing ski-masks and carrying antiquated rifles and wooden sticks briefly seized several major urban centres in Chiapas, Mexico before withdrawing under pressure from the Mexican military. A cease-fire was declare on 12 January and since then 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 revolution was capped by a march on Mexico City March 2001 in which a caravan of Zapatistas, protected by the Mexican government, moved from Chiapas passim Mexico to a climax in the zocalo in Mexico City. Subcomandante Marcos, the spokesman and de facto leader of the movement, addressed a huge rally and other comandantes addressed the Mexican Congress. Many observers compared this moment to Martin Luther superpowers 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 unique world power to attract support from activists outside of Mexico. I refer to this support as transnational because it is rooted in no particular territory and spans much of the unquestionable world.