The Emergence and Role of Networks of Social Movements in Greece During Crises.

This paper investigates the emergence of networks of social movements as a response to crises. The importance of networks in social movements studies has been extensively acknowledged in the literature (Diani & McAdam, 2003; Krinsky and Crossley, 2014; Diani, 2015). Networks of social movements often develop through interactions among activists in the aim to develop common mobilization activities (protests, campaigns etc). These networks can contribute to information, knowledge and ideas and resource exchange, while they impact on identity shaping, feeling of belonging and/or addressing common targets. One important question raised is the extent to which such networks of social movements are more prominent during crises? Do crises operate as critical junctures for the emergence of such networks? At what levels local, national or transnational? To address these questions, the article examines the emergence of networks of social movements in Greece since the eurozone crisis. Specifically, the article identifies and maps these networks of social movements. Moreover, it examines what connects these networks, namely their targets, issues, resource sharing, solutions with respect to what? For example, to what these networks of social movements enable them to strengthen their role in addressing societal problems of equality and democracy during crises? The analysis draws on social movements theories and concepts and investigates the relations/interactions of the movements in the networks during crises (della Porta and Matoni, 2014; Priska et al., 2024). It is shown that there are cognitive links (targets, issues) that tie the movements together in the network and enhance collective mobilization activities during crises. Moreover, the network structures present noticeable transnational dimensions with respect to their relations (ties) but also concerning issues, targets and solutions since the eurozone crisis.