Pomo politics

In 1991, Jody Williams and two other people formed the “International Campaign to Ban Landmines.” During the following six years, the group had entered into a coalition with over 1000 Non-Government Organizations and got 121 nations to sign a treaty to ban landmines, which took effect in March 1999. Along the way, Williams won the Nobel Peace Prize.

It’s not only the use of NGOs that makes this a classic case of pomo activism. It’s also her relentless use of communications technologies: From her farm in Vermont, she sent out emails to officials and activists all over the world. And it’s also the use of celebrities: Williams and her group were able to win the public support of Princes Diana.