The internet along with other new media technologies has made near-instant global communication a reality. This increase in communication has made organising and coordinating exceptionally easier. This is quite a new revelation as even a decade ago organisations did not have the networking capabilities that exist today. In the same way as businesses have taken abroad globalisation, specific activist and political groups can use the internet as a great communication tool. Groups can work cooperatively across the globe with out the previous constraints of time and location (Rash, 1997, pp.104-106). Groups which were traditionally community based and local, can now network efficiently with other groups across a nation or even the world. This can be effective in tackling dominating issues that affect each group and are not location specific. The way groups communicate has undoubtedly changed the process for political activism. Due to the lack of boundaries and speed of the internet, it offers the following advantages for activist groups:
(Rash, 1997, pp.112-113)
The internet also allows individuals to seek out groups to which they have consistent values with, making political activism even more plausible.
The WTO ant-globalisation protests (covered by the IMC) saw a gathering of thousands of people, many affiliated with a diverse range of activist groups (left and right) (Meikle, 2002, pp89). Also the world’s largest peace protest in 2003 saw millions of individuals and groups gathering on the same day in nearly every major city in the world. These events were only capable due to the ease of communication facilitated by the internet.
Amnesty international is an example of an organisation which network together though the use of the internet. They have a specific outlet in over 50 countries (Amnesty International, 2004) and while in conjunction with this international network, Amnesty works with smaller groups based in each country who share similar interests on Human Rights. This allows issues within specific countries to have more credibility and support.
Mailing lists are a great way to reach a plethora of people with similar interests. They can be used to distribute information, or inform people of up-coming events. . People can sign up for location specific email updates on certain political topics. In Brisbane there is the Just Peace organisation which is not uncommon around the world.
Meikle, G. (2002) Future Active: media activism and the internet, New South Whales: Pluto Press.
Rash, W. (1997) Politics on the Nets, New York: W.H. Freeman.
Amnesty International (2004) viewed 10 October 2004, <http://www.amnesty.org>
Just Peace QLD (2004) viewed 3 October 2004, <http://www.justpeaceqld.org/web/index.jsp>
Jason Spierings 22:23, 27 Oct 2004 (EST)
