Arenas of Fragile Alliance (Un-)Making? The Case of Precarious Migrant Activism in Berlin and Vienna

• In Event: 3549 - Immigrant Resistance: Collective Action and Everyday Contention

Abstract

Using two protest waves in Berlin and Vienna, in this paper we analyse dynamics of (un-)making alliances in precarious migrant activism. It suggests that an arena perspective on fragile alliances in migrant protest unveils the contentious and precarious nature of such interactions between migrants and a range of other players, including supporters and NGOS. Furthermore, the paper illustrates how the specific characteristics of protest arenas, as camps, as occupied buildings, as well as their location in particular relational contexts shape and are shaped by contentious interactions unfolding within them. A combined focus on both interactions among players and arenas allows shedding light on the dynamics of fragile alliance (un-)making in precarious and volatile forms activism. Alliances are indeed, of fundamental importance, especially for actors without extensive internal resources. Yet, it requires a dynamic and microscopic perspective to assess their role in marginalized acts of contention.

Authors

• Ilker Ataç, Hochschule RheinMain

• Elias Steinhilper, DeZIM Institut e.V.,