The impact of transnational non-governmental public actors (NGPAs) on policy processes and policy outcomes: translating advocacy into sustainable policy engagement
Martin Scurrah
Download NGPA Research Paper 19| (PDF)
Abstract
Through a comparative analysis of five case studies of conflicts in Peru between four multinational mining companies and a multinational oil and gas consortium, on the one hand, and local communities affected by their operations, on the other, the key factors affecting the outcomes of each case are described. The degree to which the outcomes represented lasting changes in company or government policies and practices is examined in the light of the degree to which there was monitoring or follow-up on the decisions made and whether exemplary cases were employed to establish precedents. Four factors are identified as key in determining outcomes: (i) the existence and strength of alliances between organisations representing those affected and local, national and international support groups; (ii) the quality of the research and documentation on the problems and proposed solutions; (iii) a skilled combination of popular mobilisation and public pressure with behind-the-scenes lobbying; (iv) the employment of the media to influence public opinion and change the terms of the debate.
About the author
Martin Scurrah was formerly Regional Director for South America, Oxfam America and is now a Research Associate, Centro Peruano de Estudios Sociales (CEPES), in Lima, Peru.