Global scripts in local context: A transnational language used among NGOs and donors viewed from Chiapas, Mexico (1988--2000)

Southern NGOs are presumed by existing research to generally articulate similar themes, address similar issues and pursue very similar priorities across the globe, a congruence of agendas suggested by their use of highly analogous language and vocabulary and their describing of their work in the same basic terms even when it is conducted under very diverse conditions in very different parts of the world. Is this the case and, if so, how can we explain such a tendency from the perspective of local Southern NGOs? This dissertation explores these issues based on extensive ethnographical fieldwork among NGOs based in Chiapas, Southeastern Mexico examining their experiences in dealing with foreign-based donors. In it the author observes that 'transnational resonance' or the phenomenon of convergence of the language and agendas of local NGOs with those of foreign donors is found paralleled by 'transversality' or the phenomenon of similar themes attaining currency across local terrains and that both frequently occur with the acute awareness of local social actors, some of which strategically re-frame their concerns in a language and using terms having global currency in order to secure their funding. This exploration leads to an analysis with substantial affinities with some of the existing research that sees the interlocution of Southern NGOs and Northern donors as being expressive of the hegemonic status of the latter. However, it also uncovers some discrepant or mixed data suggesting a degree of agency for the former not emphasized by previous research, and it therefore concludes on the importance of developing an actor-centered understanding of the interactions of local Southern NGOs with Northern donor agencies.