Journal | Annali di Ca’ Foscari. Serie orientale
Monographic journal issue | Supplemento 60 | 2024
Research Article | Transnational Youth Activist Networks in Asia: The Evolution and Dynamics of the Milk Tea Alliance
Transnational Youth Activist Networks in Asia: The Evolution and Dynamics of the Milk Tea Alliance
Abstract
This study examines the development and dynamics of transnational youth activism in Asia, focusing on the case of the Milk Tea Alliance (MTA). It addresses two research questions: “How did it emerge?” and “How has it continued until today?”. Through interviews with 50 activists across Asia, the study argues that the MTA networks were developed and nurtured over many years, rather than being solely facilitated by digital communication technologies. The study identifies two key networks: the triangular network among Hongkonger, Taiwanese, and Thai youth activists, and the Network of Young Democratic Asians (NOYDA). While the triangular network was crucial in the early days, the NOYDA network became a key actor after the 2021 military coup in Myanmar. By using network analysis and a transnational historical approach, the study provides a more nuanced explanation of the recent wave of youth and student political activism in Asia. It also highlights the grassroots interconnectedness between East and Southeast Asia in the contemporary period.
Submitted: Dec. 22, 2023 | Accepted: June 13, 2024 | Published Dec. 4, 2024 | Language: en
Keywords Transnationalism • Asia • Milk Tea Alliance • Protest • Youth activism • Social network analysis
Copyright © 2024 Tuwanont Phattharathanasut. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/AnnOr/2385-3042/2024/02/007
