Illustration of protesting women with a 'WOMEN's RIGHTS' sign and text about transnational networks and CSO resilience.

Title: “Transnational Networks and CSO Resilience in Myanmar and Thailand” In the last decade, CSOs have received threats of shutdowns and the arrest of members in more than 46 countries. Despite repression, some CSOs still remain resilient. The persistent activism and resilience of CSOs under authoritarianism is puzzling. To address this question, my dissertation proposes to investigate why some CSOs remain resilient despite state repression. What are the necessary conditions for CSOs to operate in violent and hostile environments? So, to address the research questions, I focus on pro-democracy CSOs in Myanmar and Thailand, particularly three women’s rights CSOs in each country. It is a comparative study between two different authoritarian regimes, as CSOs in Myanmar have been oppressed by the junta severely, while CSOs in Thailand have been less oppressed. In my dissertation, I use the term "resilience" to refer to the CSOs' ability to adapt and respond to repressive measures of authoritarian governments and continue their activities and movements. CSO resilience depends on their capacity to respond to institutional and operational challenges. In this regard, my study emphasized on their coping strategies in funding restriction to sustain their operation. Further, I also investigated their use of digital technologies as a coping strategy to sustain their movement, while their physical space is restricted. Thirdly, I also explored how they are doing advocacy and See more