1. Lecturer, Department of Social Sciences, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2. Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Chittagong University, Chattogram, Bangladesh.

*             Correspondence: amchowdhury@du.ac.bd

Keywords: cross-border wars, social networks, grassroots movements, digital activism, humanitarian response

1. INTRODUCTION

Cross-border conflicts, the human toll often extends beyond the immediate battlefield, affecting displaced populations, marginalized communities, and civilians caught in the crossfire. Traditional state-centric responses frequently fall short in addressing the nuanced needs of these groups. In this landscape, social networks and grassroots movements have emerged as pivotal forces in mitigating the human impact of such wars [1,2]. Social media platforms serve as powerful tools for grassroots movements, enabling rapid dissemination of information, coordination of humanitarian efforts, and amplification of marginalized voices. These digital platforms facilitate real-time communication, allowing activists to mobilize support, organize protests, and advocate for policy changes on a global scale [3,4]. Grassroots movements operate at the community level, often filling the gaps left by formal institutions. They provide immediate relief, raise awareness about human rights violations, and foster solidarity among affected populations. For instance, during the Gaza-Israel conflict, Jordanian protests, such as those in Amman, were instrumental in voicing public dissent and advocating for policy changes [5,6]. The interconnectedness facilitated by social networks enables transnational solidarity, where movements in one region can support and learn from those in another. This cross-border collaboration enhances the effectiveness of advocacy efforts and amplifies the impact of humanitarian initiatives [7,8]. Despite their potential, these movements face challenges such as digital repression, misinformation, and resource constraints. Governments may employ digital surveillance and censorship to stifle dissent, while the rapid spread of information can sometimes lead to the dissemination of unverified content. Moreover, sustaining momentum and securing funding remain persistent obstacles for grassroots initiatives [9,10]. Cross-border wars have devastating human consequences, including displacement, loss of life, psychological trauma, and the disruption of basic services and social cohesion. Traditional state-centric approaches to conflict management and humanitarian aid often fail to address the immediate and complex needs of affected populations, leaving civilians vulnerable and marginalized. While social networks and grassroots movements have emerged as significant actors in mobilizing aid, advocating for human rights, and fostering community resilience, there is limited systematic understanding of their effectiveness, scope, and challenges in mitigating the human impact of such conflicts. This gap in knowledge hampers the development of evidence-based strategies to enhance the humanitarian response and leverage community-driven initiatives effectively. Understanding the role of social networks and grassroots movements in conflict mitigation has both theoretical and practical significance. Theoretically, the study contributes to the literature on digital activism, humanitarian response, and civil society engagement in conflict settings. Practically, the findings can inform policymakers, humanitarian organizations, and grassroots actors about best practices for leveraging social networks and local initiatives to reduce human suffering during cross-border wars. By highlighting both opportunities and challenges, the study seeks to provide actionable insights for enhancing community-driven strategies in conflict management and humanitarian assistance. The primary objective of this study is to examine the role of social networks and grassroots movements in mitigating the human impact of cross-border wars.

2. Literature Review

2.1 Social Networks and Digital Activism

Social networks have transformed the landscape of humanitarian action and conflict response. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp allow rapid dissemination of information, coordination of aid, and mobilization of public opinion during crises [1,8]. Digital activism has been particularly influential in raising awareness about human rights violations, providing real-time updates from conflict zones, and connecting local communities to global support networks [11]. Research highlights that social media facilitates not only awareness but also engagement, enabling citizens to participate in advocacy campaigns, fundraise for humanitarian efforts, and influence policy decisions [12]. However, scholars caution that reliance on digital networks also introduces challenges, including misinformation, digital surveillance, and unequal access among marginalized populations [13].

2.2 Grassroots Movements in Conflict Zones

Grassroots movements, often community-driven, play a vital role in responding to the immediate needs of populations affected by cross-border conflicts. These movements operate locally, filling gaps left by state institutions or international agencies, and providing critical services such as food distribution, shelter, medical care, and psychological support [3.11]. For example, during the Gaza-Israel conflict, local organizations coordinated relief efforts and advocated for civilian protection, while simultaneously engaging in broader advocacy campaigns to influence regional and international policies. Such movements are often shaped by cultural, social, and political contexts, emphasizing the importance of local knowledge in designing effective humanitarian interventions [14].

2.3 Transnational Collaboration and Solidarity

The global interconnectedness facilitated by social networks allows grassroots movements to extend their influence beyond local boundaries. Transnational advocacy networks provide mechanisms for knowledge sharing, resource mobilization, and coordinated campaigns, enhancing the overall impact of humanitarian and advocacy efforts [15]. Evidence from comparative studies indicates that international visibility and global solidarity can pressure governments to adopt more humane policies during conflicts, while also attracting international funding and technical support for local initiatives [16]. This synergy between local action and global networks underscores the critical role of social networks in amplifying grassroots impact.

3. CHALLENGES AND LIMITATIONS

Despite their potential, both digital activism and grassroots movements face multiple challenges. Grassroots initiatives often struggle with limited financial resources, lack of institutional support, and threats to the safety of volunteers and participants [17]. Similarly, social networks can be exploited for propaganda, misinformation, or digital repression by governments and non-state actors [18]. Moreover, uneven access to technology and digital literacy gaps can limit participation, leaving vulnerable populations underrepresented in online advocacy [19]. Understanding these constraints is critical for developing strategies to enhance the resilience and effectiveness of both grassroots and digital networks. Overall, the literature indicates that social networks and grassroots movements are crucial in mitigating the human impact of cross-border wars. Digital platforms facilitate rapid communication and advocacy, while grassroots movements provide essential local relief and community cohesion. The combination of local action and transnational collaboration can maximize humanitarian outcomes. However, challenges such as misinformation, limited resources, and digital inequality must be addressed to fully leverage these mechanisms. Cross-border conflicts have devastating effects on civilian populations, leading to displacement, loss of life, and widespread humanitarian crises. Traditional state-centric responses often fall short in addressing the immediate needs of affected communities. In this context, social networks and grassroots movements have emerged as vital actors in mitigating the human impact of such conflicts. These decentralized, community-driven initiatives leverage digital platforms and local networks to provide aid, raise awareness, and advocate for policy changes. Social media platforms have revolutionized the way information is disseminated during conflicts. They serve as tools for real-time communication, enabling individuals to share updates, coordinate aid efforts, and mobilize support both locally and internationally. For instance, during the Arab Spring, platforms like Twitter and Facebook were instrumental in organizing protests and spreading information about government actions. However, the use of social media in conflict zones is not without challenges. The spread of harmful information can exacerbate tensions and pose protection risks for affected populations. As noted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (2024), harmful information can contribute to violent behavior, intensify discrimination, and undermine individuals’ ability to make informed decisions about their safety and well-being. Grassroots movements operate at the community level, often filling gaps left by formal institutions. These movements are typically characterized by their local knowledge, cultural sensitivity, and ability to mobilize quickly in response to crises. In Sudan, for example, the collapse of the central government led to the formation of over 600 Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs) by ordinary citizens. These grassroots initiatives provide food, shelter, medical aid, and education to those affected by the conflict, demonstrating the resilience and agency of local communities [14]. Similarly, in the Israeli-Palestinian context, the “Women Wage Peace” movement has brought together women from diverse political and religious backgrounds to advocate for a non-violent resolution to the conflict. Their efforts highlight the potential of grassroots movements to bridge divides and promote peace through inclusive dialogue and action (Wikipedia, 2025). The interconnectedness facilitated by digital platforms enables transnational solidarity, where grassroots movements in different regions can support each other and collaborate on common goals. This cross-border collaboration enhances the effectiveness of humanitarian efforts and amplifies advocacy campaigns. For instance, during the Syrian refugee crisis, international networks of activists and organizations coordinated to provide aid, raise awareness, and pressure governments to adopt more humane policies [16]. However, the effectiveness of transnational solidarity is contingent upon factors such as access to technology, political will, and the ability to navigate complex international systems. As noted by the United Nations Development Programme (2023), while digital platforms can facilitate cross-border collaboration, they also present challenges related to digital literacy, access, and security. Despite their potential, social networks and grassroots movements face several challenges. Digital platforms can be used to spread propaganda and misinformation, complicating efforts to provide accurate information and coordinate aid [11]. Additionally, grassroots initiatives often operate with limited resources and face threats from state and non-state actors, which can impede their effectiveness and sustainability [18]. Moreover, the exclusionary potential of social media poses risks for marginalized groups. Humanitarian actors must be vigilant in ensuring that these platforms do not inadvertently perpetuate inequalities or exclude vulnerable populations from access to information and resources [15].

4. CONCLUSION

Social networks and grassroots movements have emerged as pivotal non-state actors in mitigating the humanitarian consequences of cross-border armed conflicts. Operating at the intersection of digital communication, civil mobilization, and humanitarian response, these networks enable rapid information dissemination, advocacy for affected populations, and coordination of relief efforts that often surpass the responsiveness of formal state or intergovernmental mechanisms. Their decentralized structures and community-based legitimacy make them particularly effective in regions where institutional governance is weak or politically constrained. Nevertheless, their transformative potential is tempered by several systemic challenges, including the proliferation of misinformation, uneven access to digital technologies, limited financial and logistical resources, and exclusionary tendencies that marginalize vulnerable groups. Addressing these constraints requires a multi-level strategy that integrates capacity building, digital literacy, and ethical communication frameworks. By cultivating inclusive participation and promoting transparent, data-driven engagement through responsible use of digital platforms, social and grassroots networks can strengthen resilience, foster transnational solidarity, and meaningfully contribute to the mitigation of human suffering and displacement triggered by cross-border conflicts.

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