The Global Right Wing and the Clash of World Politics

This book analyzes transnational advocacy by conservatives, examining combat over issues such as gay rights and gun control.

Clifford Bob (Author)

9780521193818, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 February 2012

240 pages
22.3 x 14.4 x 1.6 cm, 0.39 kg

'The Global Right Wing and the Clash of World Politics is a very important book. By detailing the influence of right-wing activist networks in the battle for policy influence, it takes the gloss off the idealistic view of activism as always for the 'right' (meaning left wing) ideas that are seen to prevail through persuasion and deliberation. As such, it 'rights' the balance in the literature on global politics, by showing how right-wing ideas travel across the globe, carried by social activists who win through conflict and contestation, in pitched battles in both global institutions and national arenas. Best of all, the cases it discusses make for fascinating reading.' Vivien A. Schmidt, Jean Monnet Professor of European Integration, Boston University

This book is an eye-opening account of transnational advocacy, not by environmental and rights groups, but by conservative activists. Mobilizing around diverse issues, these networks challenge progressive foes across borders and within institutions. In these globalized battles, opponents struggle as much to advance their own causes as to destroy their rivals. Deploying exclusionary strategies, negative tactics and dissuasive ideas, they aim both to make and unmake policy. In this work, Clifford Bob chronicles combat over homosexuality and gun control in the UN, the Americas, Europe and elsewhere. He investigates the 'Baptist-burqa' network of conservative believers attacking gay rights, and the global gun coalition blasting efforts to control firearms. Bob draws critical conclusions about norms, activists and institutions, and his broad findings extend beyond the culture wars. They will change how campaigners fight, scholars study policy wars, and all of us think about global politics.

1. Clashing networks in world politics
2. Making and unmaking policy
3. Culture wars gone global: gay rights vs the Baptist-burqa network
4. Litigating for the lord: American attorneys and European sexualities
5. Shootout at UN plaza: dueling over global gun control
6. Battlefield Brazil: national disarmament and international activism
7. Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Political activism [JPW], Conservatism & right-of-centre democratic ideologies [JPFM], Comparative politics [JPB], Social & political philosophy [HPS]