The success of environmental NGOs and transnational advocacy networks in altering the common understanding of large dams from being previously considered as symbols of economic development and modernity to what are now pictured as structures of destruction with adverse environmental and social impact on the communities where they are built has been noteworthy. The past decade has shown that while there have been many transnationally coordinated anti-large dam campaigns that had successful outcomes, there were, on the other hand, large dam projects that have been pursued in spite of opposition, specifically in developing countries. Though there is substantive support for the role played by transnational advocacy networks in framing issues and influencing politics at certain levels, it is still not clear what makes for a successful outcome. This paper contends that the differing outcomes of transnationally coordinated anti-large dam campaigns owe more to the context and the framing of the issues than the expanse of democratic space in the target state. By showing how issues have been framed in three transnationally coordinated campaigns opposing the construction of large dams in China, India and the Philippines, this paper hopes to contribute to the knowledge of state-NGO relations.
