The Limits of Transnationalism

the long version

Transnationalism means many things to many people, from crossing physical borders to intellectual ones. The Limits of Transnationalism reassesses the overly optimistic narratives often associated with this malleable term, revealing both the metaphorical and very real obstacles for transnational mobility. Nancy L. Green begins her wide-ranging examination with the story of Frank Gueydan, an early twentieth-century American convicted of a minor crime in France who was unable to get a fair trial there nor able to enlist the help of US officials. Gueydan's odd predicament opens the door for a series of inquiries into the past twenty-five years of transnational scholarship, raising questions about the weaknesses of global networks and the slippery nature of citizenship for those who try to live transnational lives. The Limits of Transnationalism serves as a cogent reminder of this topic's complexity, calling for greater attention to be paid to the many bumps in the road.