Thursday, November 27, 2008
Recurring Problem
Networks -- relatively unresourced, and thus somewhat unsustainable as a political force -- rely more on strategic communication to influence mass consciousness in conflict with institutions and markets. This may be because they have less weapons in their overall arsenal, but I find institutions and markets get away with some pretty sloppy psychological warfare, largely because they have so much ability to overwhelm, given giant financial reserves. Carpet-bombing rather than precision targeting, if you will.
Networks, of course, can tap a greater diversity, which is a strength, but the lack of continuity through mentoring is a recurring problem. Nine years down the road from the Battle in Seattle, pro-democracy networks have diminished rather than expanded, due in part to no means for consolidating intermittent gains.
If we had learning centers to share skills and lessons learned, civil society activists wouldn't have to keep making the same mistakes over again.
Networks, of course, can tap a greater diversity, which is a strength, but the lack of continuity through mentoring is a recurring problem. Nine years down the road from the Battle in Seattle, pro-democracy networks have diminished rather than expanded, due in part to no means for consolidating intermittent gains.
If we had learning centers to share skills and lessons learned, civil society activists wouldn't have to keep making the same mistakes over again.
