The Freedom Riders Across Borders: Contentious Mobilities

The Freedom Riders Across Borders: Contentious Mobilities provides a transnational historical analysis of the Freedom Rides, exploring the struggles for mobility and civil rights in the United States, Australia, and Palestine between 1961 and 2011. It investigates the specific constellations of mobility as historically and geographically specific formations of movement and how the images, ideas, and strategies of Freedom Riders were adapted, translated, and moved across time and space. The book argues that mobility should be given a central place in the study of progressive social movements and highlights vehicles as a mobile site of contestation and strategic political action.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 30 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Freedom Riders Across Borders: Contentious Mobilities offers a comprehensive transnational historical analysis of the Freedom Rides, delving into the historical trajectory of these social movements and the battles for civil rights, mobility, and equality across the United States of America, Australia, and Palestine from 1961 to 2011. This groundbreaking work makes a substantial contribution to the fields of transnational social movements and mobility studies by exploring the multifaceted nature of mobility as historically and geographically specific formations of movement. It also investigates how the images, ideas, and strategies of the Freedom Riders were adapted, translated, and circulated across time and space.

At its core, this book addresses the urgent concerns of the past and present regarding the politics and inequalities of mobilities that impact different social groups in distinct ways. From a historical perspective, it provides valuable insights into the dynamics, techniques, and contentious politics of social movements in a globalized environment. The book meticulously details how the question of mobility has evolved into a source of political conflict and protest, challenging norms, restrictions, and representations. It demonstrates that mobility is not merely a resource that is accessible to some but rather a dynamic entity that is shaped and reshaped by political processes. Moreover, the book recognizes contestation as an integral part of the formation of mobility, highlighting how mobility is contested and negotiated within social movements.

In this regard, Lüthi makes a compelling argument for mobility to be accorded a central place in the study of progressive social movements. By examining the Freedom Rides through the lens of mobility, the book sheds light on the strategic political actions and interventions that took place. It underscores the importance of mobility as a tool for resistance, empowerment, and social change, highlighting the ways in which it can challenge dominant narratives and promote inclusive and equitable societies.

Overall, The Freedom Riders Across Borders: Contentious Mobilities is a groundbreaking work that offers a rich and nuanced understanding of the Freedom Rides and their transnational significance. It provides valuable insights into the complexities of social movements, mobility, and the struggle for civil rights, making it an essential read for scholars, activists, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of social change in a globalized world.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032132136