There is an underlying optimism in much of the literature that considers
the emergence of social movements as being associated with deepening processes
of democratization. The expansion of civil society is seen to expand political space.
This paper takes a critical lens to this perspective, using recent political events in
Thailand as a case study of the political strategies and alliances of social movements.
We examine the debates that saw many social movements and their leaderships initially
support elected Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and his Thai Rak Thai
Party only to see this support drain away as these same movements called on their
followers to bring down the government. More importantly, we examine how these
movements came to ally with conservative forces associated with the palace and military.
Based on the Thai case study, we suggest that these seemingly unlikely outcomes
result from the very nature of social movements. Leadership by middle-class
activists, the need for alliances, the development of networks, and a focus on single
issues and identities leads social movements to make substantial political compromises.
The consequences can be negative for democratic development.