Contours of the Czech environmental movement: a comparative analysis ofHnuti Duha(Rainbow Movement) andJihoceske matky(South Bohemian Mothers)

The two case studies, representing distinct strands of the Czech environmental movement, challenge contemporary claims that in the age of globalisation the significance of the national context in shaping protest and agency is declining. The specific context of post-communist political reform and economic restructuring is emphasised as a key determinant of environmental organisations' activity and behaviour. Strategic choices and actions of both organisations can be understood as responses to their dependency on external funding. Financial dependence on external agencies with their own agendas and interests can dis-empower and de-legitimise environmental movement organisations. Assumptions regarding the impact of resources on strategic choices and campaigns require qualification when applied to movement organisations beyond established capitalist democracies.