The structural preconditions for the emergence of transnational public spheres

Abstract

This thesis poses the following question:  do the structural preconditions exist in the present for the emergence of transnational public spheres?  Following a reconstruction of Habermasian public sphere theory, I define a transnational public sphere as a site of deliberation in which non-state actors reach understandings about issues of common concern.  I identify trends that may coalesce to provide the structural preconditions for the emergence of transnational public spheres.  These are threefold.  First, developing communicative capacity across state borders due to new media technologies, particularly the internet.  Second, transformations in sites of political authority, such as the evolution of multi-layered global governance, which poses challenges to traditional conceptions of state sovereignty.  Third, emerging transnational communities of recognition that use new media to communicate and to politically mobilise.

I define a community of recognition as distinguished by the following; by a sense of collection identity as a ‘public’ due to shared identities and interests, and by the demonstration of a common endorsement of the norms of publicity in communicative interaction.  With reference to these criteria, I examine the activities of three transnational social movements:  the international women’s movement, the Zapatista movement and Greenpeace and the international environmental movement. I also consider whether a transformative influence can be identified on hegemonic discourse and the international institutional framework as a result of the activities of these movements.

I argue that a suitable environment has developed in which transnational public spheres can indeed emerge.  However, the development and consolidation of transnational public spheres may be constrained by other factors.  These include global disparities in access and ownership to communication technologies, and the influence of private and state interests on the development of new media.  I conclude with some suggestions for future research.

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