Theorising Resistance Formations: Reverse Discourses, Spatial Resistance and Networked Dissent

• Published in: Global society : journal of interdisciplinary international relations Vol. 36; no. 3; pp. 309 - 329
• Main Author: Lilja, Mona
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Routledge 03.07.2022; Taylor & Francis Ltd
• Subjects: Collective action; Discourse; Discourses; Dissent; Frame analysis; Other Social Sciences not elsewhere specified; Resistance; Resistance formations; reverse discourse; spatial resistance or networked dissent; Övrig annan samhällsvetenskap
• ISSN: 1360-0826; 1469-798X
• DOI: 10.1080/13600826.2022.2052020

By merging the concepts of "formations" and "resistance", this paper presents a conceptual map of how to "read" resistance movements, which are composed of individual resistance and collective action. I suggest that reverse discourse could be interpreted as one specific resistance formation, by denoting how subjects (re)articulate and re-present themselves and the figure they are expected to assume; it is a negotiation of defined and delimited identities positions. The framing of reverse discourse as a particular resistance formation, with its specific deposits, makes sense when contrasting it with other movements of resistance. By comparing different formations of resistance - such as reverse discourse, spatial resistance or networked dissent - this paper displays how and why specific mobilisations unfold; both particular and more universal features come to light when contrasting the topographies of different resistance formations.