Activists seeking to persuade government officials to implement particular policies often try to mobilize public opinion and widespread public displays of support. Their ability to do so is affected not only by their own skills, but by the extent and nature of their linkages with a larger constituency, and by their relations to other political actors. In European democracies, this especially includes political parties. Public support for an issue which is initially popular may actually decline as the issue becomes politicized. Activists cannot control public opinion, and must instead change their own ideas in response to these shifting definitions of an issue. For this project, longitudinal survey data on a Dutch "peace movement" campaign are analyzed statistically to provide input for theorizing. The data were collected in the Netherlands before and after a massive campaign in which millions of citizens sent the government postcards opposing deployment of Cruise missiles. The campaign ultimately failed when the government approved deployment. Surveys have been completed for samples of the general public in four communities, as well as for all activists in those same four and six additional communities. Theory developed in light of the data will show how the costs and benefits that underlie collective action are themselves constructed in light of political allegiances and identities.
