Analyzing the critical success factors for two distinct social movement case studies : climate change & the opening of U.S.-Cuba policy

Abstract

There are a number of complex and seemingly intractable social problems facing the United States and the world today. Following the election of President Barack Obama in 2008, there was a renewed popular interest in organizing and movement building as effective means of effecting profound social change in the United States. This thesis explores whether organizing can be used to address social problems today, in addition to elections. Specifically, I try to tackle this question by analyzing two distinct and unrelated movements: climate change and the effort to open U.S.-Cuba policy. First, the basic organizing framework is introduced. Then, each case study is presented with an eye towards how the use of narrative, selfinterest, power, moral courage and strategy are being employed. The analysis sheds light on extensive interviews that were conducted with 20 leaders that are part, or have formed part, of these two movements, and focuses on the strategic challenges and opportunities facing a key protagonist in each case. Finally, the conclusion proposes that organizing can indeed make significant contributions to these specific social problems and offers suggestions for how each movement might incorporate key organizing principles into its work going forward.