Transnational Political Networks- Boston Workshop
On April 9-10, 2025, the Transnational Political Networks & the Future of Global Order Project convened around twenty scholars for its kickoff workshop at Northeastern University in Boston.
The workshop explored over 10 case studies of contemporary and historical transnational political networks at the societal and elite levels. These cases shared three defining characteristics at various degrees: (1) ultrasocial in worldview (i.e., inclusive rather than exclusive; focused on the common good), (2) global or regional in scale with the potential for significant global impact, and (3) transformational rather than transactional in their approaches to international cooperation.
Among these cases are the Harmony with Nature Network’s impact on recognizing the rights of Nature and challenging anthropocentrism while advocating for an ecocentric approach to sustainable development; the intersection of epistemic communities and advocacy networks regarding international norms in radiation protection while maintaining the benefits of risk-laden technology; and the Hōkūleʻa’s embodiment of the navigator mindset that stems from ancient wayfinding, connecting people to one another and to the oceans in a way that uniquely fosters international cooperation for environmental preservation.
Key insights within and across the respective scholars’ case studies further highlighted why some transnational political networks achieve breakthroughs in international cooperation while others fall short. These include the role of social power in accomplishing the network’s goals, the intersection of influence between epistemic groups and transnational activism, the impact of formal versus informal mechanisms, and varying ideas of success classifications and the network’s role thereafter.
With feedback from one another during this workshop, scholars will continue to refine their case studies in preparation for the public-facing presentations and follow-up workshop in Oslo in October 2025.
Workshop Agenda
Transnational Political Networks & the Future of Global Order
Northeastern University, April 9-10, 2025
Renaissance Park 909
1135 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02115
Supported by a grant from Carnegie Corporation of New York
April 9, 2025
9am-9:30am Introduction to the project
Mai’a K. Davis Cross, Northeastern University
9:30-10:15am The global coalition that stood for Ukraine: how transnational networks ensure international cooperation in the face of authoritarianism
Karolina Pomorska, University of Leiden, the Netherlands
Marianna Lovato, Taube Centre for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences, Poland
Discussant: Ben Tonra, University College Dublin
10:15am-10:30pm coffee break
10:30-11:15am We Are All Nature: The impact of the Harmony with Nature network in reshaping the United Nations concept of sustainable development
Patricia Rinaldi, International Relations at Faculdades de Campinas, Brazil
Discussant: Benjamin de Carvalho, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs
11:15am-12pm What Makes an International Regime Strong: Epistemic communities, Transnational Advocacy Networks, and International Norms (radiation protection)
Daniel Serwer, Johns Hopkins University, US
Discussant: Halvard Leira, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, Norway
12-1pm lunch at workshop venue
1-1:45pm Transnational Networks – On the Rise of Authoritarianism and the Protection of Open Democratic Societies (practitioner perspective on China)
Dennis Kwok, Northeastern University, Former Hong Kong Legislative Council Representative
Discussant: Sreeram Chaulia, Jindal Global University
1:45-2:30pm Keynote Human Rights Cities: Challenges and Opportunities of Local Human Rights Implementation.
Martha Davis, University Distinguished Professor of Law, Northeastern University
2:30-2:45pm coffee
2:45-3:30pm The Beneficial Artificial Intelligence Movement
Denise Garcia, Northeastern University
Discussant: Sanne Verschuren, Boston University
April 10, 2025
9:30-10:15am The “Moral League” and the End of Privateering
Benjamin de Carvalho, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, Norway
Halvard Leira, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, Norway
Discussant: Ben Tonra, University College Dublin
10:15-11am The Transnational Network of Polynesian Voyagers: Hōkūleʻa & Ocean Protection
Mai’a K. Davis Cross, Northeastern University
Discussant: Marianne Riddervold, ARENA Center for European Studies, Norway & UC Berkeley
11am-11:15am coffee
11:15-12pm Transnational Indigenous Organizations of the Amazon Basin
Lucas de Oliveira Paes, Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, Norway
Discussant: Patricia Rinaldi, International Relations at Faculdades de Campinas, Brazil
12:30-1:30pm Lunch at Faculty Club
1:45-2:30pm The power of transnational political networks: Why some succeed, and others fail (marine biodiversity vs. anti-microbial resistance)
Marianne Riddervold, ARENA Center for European Studies, Norway & UC Berkeley
Reidar Staupe, Arctic University of Norway
Discussant: Sreeram Chaulia
2:30pm-3pm Discussion of Theoretical Framework & Wrap-Up
Mai’a K. Davis Cross, Northeastern University
3:15pm-4pm closed meeting of Carnegie project partners
Mai’a, Marianne (Oslo workshop), Ben (Dublin workshop), and Sreeram (New Delhi workshop), Diana (Administrative Coordinator, Center for International Affairs & World Cultures), Matthew Fleming (Research Assistant)
5pm-6:15pm (optional) Campus-Wide Event: Book Talk in Renaissance Park 909 “Friends: India’s Closest Strategic Partners”
Sreeram Chaulia, School of International Affairs, Jindal Global University Moderator: Lauren MacLean, Northeastern University