Transnationaux

Transnationaux is a term used in social sciences and globalization studies to describe actors, networks, and phenomena that cross national borders or connect multiple nations. It encompasses activities, organizations, and identities that operate beyond the boundaries of a single state and maintain enduring links across countries.

The word derives from the prefix trans- meaning across and nation, and it is often used as an alternative to multinational. The emphasis with transnationaux is on cross-border linkages and transnational networks rather than simply on presence in several countries. In academic contexts, transnationaux can refer to migrant networks, transnational corporations, non-governmental organizations, religious or cultural organizations, and cross-border political or social practices.

Fields of study associated with transnationaux include transnationalism, diasporic networks, global supply chains, and transnational citizenship. Typical examples include migrant networks that send remittances and sustain social or economic ties between home and host countries, or organizations that coordinate campaigns and activities across borders. Cultural and religious transnational practices, such as media, rituals, or education that circulate beyond a single nation, also fall under the concept.

In French, transnational can be used as an adjective, and as a noun it can refer to people. The masculine plural form is transnationaux and the feminine plural form is transnationales. The term is common in discussions of globalization, migration, and international political economy, where cross-border connections shape social, economic, and political life.