Grassrooting network imaginaries: relationality, power, and mutual solidarity in global justice networks

In this paper we draw critically upon actor network theory (ANT) in order to analyse the contours of relationality, communication, and operational logic within a global justice network—People’s Global Action Asia. Drawing upon the concept of translation, we consider how connections are fostered and sustained within the network, focusing upon the work of key organisers (those we term the ‘imagineers’) and key events in producing the network. In so doing, we ground ANT in direct political engagement and introduce the concept of ‘grassrooting vectors’ to highlight the power relations at work within global justice networks, a consideration which is crucial to the formation of mutual solidarity between social movements.