Nationalist Networks and Transnational Opportunities - An Illustration of GAM and PULOs Transnational Activism

Abstract: As a reaction against unjust policies and repression the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Indonesia and the Pattani United Liberation Organization (PULO) in Thailand were formed at the end of the 1970s. Though their agendas have developed during the years, their demands have usually been centred on claims for independence based on nationalist arguments. GAM and PULO have used different tools in their contention against the Indonesian respectively Thai authorities ranging from armed force to political negotiations. This thesis sets out to investigate the transnational dimension of nationalist movements. It argues that globalization processes have caused changes in social movement's contextual environment that facilitates the establishment of transnational networks. Based on previous research such as scholar-written books and articles, reports, news articles and statements from activists, this thesis uses the examples of GAM and PULO to illustrate how nationalist movements use transnational opportunities, participate in domestic and international politics simultaneously, draw on a wide range of resources, and engage in information exchange and lobbying. By doing so they are using the transnational arena as a tool to reach political goals at the domestic level.