Abstract

The authors argue that new information and communication technologies (ICTs) such as the Internet and social media, cellular telephony, commercially available remote sensing satellites, and satellite-enhanced mapping technologies empower nascent forms of non-governmental global governance. Our central contention is that ICT-sponsored information environments, which are highly flexible, networked, and transboundary in nature, represent a new kind of political opportunity structure for transnational advocacy. In this context, new forms of collective action are pursued by means of informational politics. The article is conceptual in nature. First, we present our argument on the basis of a critical literature review by taking up a recent debate about the role of information and informational politics in transnational advocacy. On this basis, we argue that the role of information and information environments needs to be understood as an essential independent variable in inquiring into processes of transnational advocacy. Subsequently we discuss implications for further research.