The Marketing of Rebellion: Insurgents, Media, and International Activism

Cambridge Studies in Contentious Politics

by Clifford Bob

How do a few Third World political movements become global causes célèbres, while most remain isolated? This book rejects dominant views that needy groups readily gain help from selfless nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Instead, they face a Darwinian struggle for scarce resources where support goes to the savviest, not the neediest. Examining Mexico's Zapatista rebels and Nigeria's Ogoni ethnic group, the book draws critical conclusions about social movements, NGOs, and "global civil society."

Genres: Politics, War, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published October 28, 2004

Reviews

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this off a recommendation from Jay Dyer.

One of the serious problems that you run into when it comes to believing what you're supposed to is that: TV stations are private businesses. The station isn't a "Speaker's Corner" where everything is on the table and "if you get big enough they can't ignore you!" Ultimately, they choose who goes on there, what they're allowed to say, and how much time is allotted. Everything that takes place is by design and towards interested ends. Artifacts like news programs are the product of human action, afterall, which is purposeful behavior.

As is explained in this book: the NGOs are no different. The NGOs essentially stitch up outcomes in-line with their goals via transactional relationships with groups that serve their own interests and are willing to play along. Getting "chosen", as evidenced by the author, isn't about what's right. It's more accurately understood about being compatible with geopolitical, economic, and sociological agendas. Basically: if you can prop up neoliberalism you're a potential tool for said social program.

[Sara Mosquera López · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book, with a critical perspective, to understand the politics behind the ONG support of different insurgent groups.