| This section (Public Action and Social Movements) provides basic knowledge to support public action against
free-market fundamentalists who, through state, cultural, religious, racial, gender,
military and economic terrorism are imposing a world system leading
to the destruction of the environment both
physical and human. This section also aims to contribute to the creation of social
movements for building a new world, just, fair and sustainable. The process of globalization managed by TRANSNATIONAL
CORPORATIONS with the protection of the politicians in many governments all over the
world, and the complicity of many intellectuals, scholars and university communities, is
the most clear manifestation of a process of planetary destruction for the sake of making
monumental profits for the few.
Public Action and Social
Movements facilitates access to knowledge for globalizing the movement
against a globalization managed by the international capitalist class.
Public Action and Social Movements provides links to the web sites of organizations currently leading
the process of globalization of the movement against the free-market
fundamentalists.
Public action to globalize the movement against
capitalist free-market globalization is one tool that the non-capitalist members of civil society can utilize to
stop the murdering of our planet, the slaughtering of large sections of our population,
and the creation of an obscene two tiers global society, with an extremely wealthy
minority and a extremely poor majority. Public action can be
used to stop this process and can help to generate an alternative
development agenda leading to the creation of real human societies and not barbaric
groupings ruled by free-market fundamentalists or religious fundamentalists.
In September 1999 I wrote:
"The world economy began to be globalized in late XV century when Western European
pillage of the rest of the world resources became the main occupation of the ruling
classes from Portugal, Spain, Netherlands, Britain, and France. Genocide, slaughtering,
and robbery acquired the category of heroic deeds giving to the perpetrators the right to
become national heroes in their countries of origin. The heroes developed a set of
colonial powers, the victims, a set of colonized societies. The world was
globalized."
Aldo Ferrer (1), in 1998, stated that "ever since the advent of an economic order
encompassing the whole planet, countries' relations with the international environment
have determined their level of development. Capital formation, technological change, the
distribution of resources, employment, the distribution of income and macroeconomic
equilibria are, indeed, strongly influenced by relations with the international
system"..."The current debate on globalization's nature and range is nothing
new. It goes back to the same historical problem of how can each country solve its
development dilemma in a global world so as to avoid getting caught in a network of
relations administered by the main interests and powers for their own benefit".
In the 1990s, of course, the "main interests and powers" are connected to
transnational corporations and five major economic powers: United States, Japan, Germany,
France and United Kingdom. "Styles of development" in former colonies in
Africa, Asia and Latin America are shaped by the "main interests and powers".
Globalization today has a tool: structural adjustment programmes. Globalization today has
a philosophy: deregulation of the market. Globalization today has a gospel: the dynamics
of the capitalist market, otherwise advertised as free market. ( See, R. Rojas, Sustainable development in a globalized economy? The odds (September
1999))
Public Action and Social Movements intends to provide intellectual weapons to fight this obscene
process of capitalist globalization. The Róbinson
Rojas Archive provides part of those intellectual
weapons also. Other organizations provide most of them.
Dr. Róbinson Rojas
(January 2000, the year when the murderer Augusto Pinochet was left off the hook by the
British government led by Tony Blair.)
(1) A. Ferrer, "Mercosur and Alternative World
Orders", 1998
--------------------------- |
People's Global Action
From the 23rd to the 26th of
February of 1998, grassroots movements of all continents met in
Geneva to launch a worldwide coordination network of resistance to
the global market, a new alliance of struggle and solidarity
called Peoples' Global Action against 'free' trade and the WTO (PGA).
That was the birth of this global tool for communication and
coordination for all those who fight the destruction of humanity
and the planet by capitalism and build local alternatives to
globalisation.
The defining documents of the PGA are its five
hallmarks, its organisational
principles and its manifesto.
At the conference in Bangalore, India in August 1999 the hallmarks
and the organisational
principles were amended to reflect discussions about
clarifying differences
to right-wing anti-globalizers. A new second hallmark was
added.
The Hallmarks were changed at the conference in Cochabamba
2001.-------------------------
|
Felix Stalder
(1999)
The network
paradigm: Social Formations in the Age of Information
Manuel Castells’ The Information Age: Economy,
Society and Culture (1996, 1997 and 1998) is unrivaled in ambition: to make sense of the
global social dynamics as they arise out of a myriad of changes around the world. It is a
cross-cultural analysis of the major social, economic and political transformations at the
end of this century. It is presented through interrelated empirical case studies...
----------------------- |
Centre for Civil
Society
(London School of Economics)
Civil Society Working Papers
The Civil
Society Working Paper (CSWP) series provides a vehicle for
disseminating the recent and ongoing research efforts of
researchers based at, or linked to, the Centre for Civil Society
(CCS). It aims to reflect the range and diversity of theoretical
and empirical work undertaken on non-governmental, voluntary,
nonprofit or third sector organisations, foundation, and social
enterprises - as part of wider civil society.
Editor: Professor Jude Howell
Former Editor: Jeremy Kendall (CSWPs 1 - 21)
All CSWPs can be viewed and downloaded from this website. Printed
copies of CSWPs 1 - 21 are available at £5.95.
----------------------
|
UNRISD:
Civil Society and Social Movements
Research within this programme aimed to improve understanding of the potential
for civic action and local self-organization in different kinds of societies and
political regimes around the world. This, in turn, should clarify thinking about
the concept of civil society.
The need to strengthen civil society has become a truism within the
development debate - something that can be stated without further analysis or
discussion. But civil society is a complex of different forms of organization,
developing within specific contexts. Placing too great a faith in civil society,
vaguely defined, glosses over important differences between non-governmental
organizations, grassroots organizations, social movements and other forms of
civic action. It also ignores an array of problems inherent in local politics
and social relations.
---------------------- |
New Social Movement Network
-
Tim Wise: The Trouble With Tolerance
Various Authors: The Battle
in Seattle: Voices from the Street
Kim Murphy-Stewart: A
Policy Paper Recommending an Alternative Approach to the "Closing the Gaps"
Report between Maori and Non-Maori
James Herrick: Empowerment
Practice and Social Change: The Place For New Social Movement Theory
James Herrick: Notes
form the New Social Movement Conference Nov 1-3 1995
Muriel Dance: The Promise of
Distance Learning
Scott March: Community
Organizing on the Internet: Implications for Social Work Practitioners
Sue Sohng: Participatory
Research and Community Organizing
Barbara Epstein: Grassroots
Environmentalism and Strategies for Social Change
Bob Fisher: Social Work in a
Private World
Joseph Kling: Narratives of
Possibility: Social Movements, Collective Stories, and the Dilemmas of Practice
Bernadette Pergamo: Making
the Offender Part of Our Community
Naomi, a NSMNet subscriber: Letter
To Women: A Case For A Mothers' Wage
----------------- |
|
From London School of Economics
Non-Governmental Public Action Programme
Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Research Programme
Director: Professor Jude Howell
Public action by and for disadvantaged people, undertaken by non-governmental
organisations (NGOs) and other non-government actors, is increasingly
significant at local and international levels. This research programme will
develop existing theory, generate new empirical data and develop beneficial
links between researchers and users. Projects will include international
comparative work and transdisciplinary research.
|
Marta Fuentes and Andre Gunder Frank
Ten Theses on
Social Movements
March 1988 revision
This essay will develop the following theses:
1. The "new" social movements are not new, even if they have some new
features; and the "classical" ones are relatively new and perhaps temporary.
2. Social movements display much variety and changeability, but have in
common individual mobilization through a sense of morality and (in)justice and
social power through social mobilization against deprivation and for survival
and identity.
3. The
strength and importance of social movements is cyclical and related to long political economic and (perhaps associated)
ideological cycles. When the conditions that give rise to the movements change
(through the action of the movements themselves and/or more usually due to
changing circumstances), the movements tend to disappear.
4. It is important to distinguish the class
composition of social movements, which are mostly middle class in the West,
popular/working class in the South, and some of each in the East...
|
Andre Gunder Frank
On
studying the Cycles in Social Movements
Paper prepared for the Conference on "Movimientos Cíclicos y Recurrencias en
Política y Economía" sponsored by Fundación Pablo Iglesias, Madrid May 18-21, 1992.
This paper incorporates but substantially expands on the section on cycles in
our "Civil Democracy: Social Movements in Recent World History" in Transforming
the Revolution:Social Movements and the World-System by S. Amin, G. Arrighi,
A.G. Frank & I. Wallerstein [New York: Monthly Review Press 1991.]
|
Journal of World
Systems Research - Volume 10
On Global Social
Movements
Before and After 9/11
Throughout the history of the modern world-system, projects of globalization
promoted by world elites have been met with resistance from people
on the g round whose livelihoods have often been threatened. As the geographic
scale of global capitalism has expanded, and its penetration into daily life has
deepened, the scale and intensity of resistance to this system has grown as well.
Local eff orts to protect traditional ways of life, for instance, have evolved into
national campaigns for union protections and then into international movements
for stronger labor, human rights, and environmental protections. Today,
as global elites push for the fi nal incorporation of all regions into a single capitalist
system based on neoliberal principles, they are being met by an unexpectedly
resilient, far-reaching, and multi-faceted coalition of resistance. Whatever it may
be called—the ‘anti-globalization movement,’ the ‘global solidarity movement,’ or
the ‘globalization protest movement’—it is clear that this anti-systemic movement
has emerged as an important challenger to the dominance of global capital
over the contemporary world.
This special issue of the Journal of World-Systems Research is dedicated to
examining the modern characteristics and prospects of this coalition of resistance
to elite-driven forms of globalization. We have gathered together ten articles
that explore various facets of the contemporary globalization protest movement.
|
From
Aurora
Aurora is a journal of interviews with leading thinkers and writers. We have
tried to interview those authors whose books we teach, or whose research and
writing is considered important to established or emerging fields of inquiry.
Education Purposes: Copies of this journal or articles in it for
which Athabasca University holds the copyright may be distributed for research
or educational purposes free of charge and without permission. Aurora Staff ask
only that you acknowledge the source as Athabasca University's
Aurora.
Educators developing online teaching materials, or building web
resources in particular subject areas, may link to Aurora without seeking
copyright permission.
Other:Commercial use of Aurora or the articles
in it is expressly prohibited without the written consent of the publisher,
Athabasca University.
Every effort has been made to ensure compliance with
requirements of copyright clearance and appropriate credits. Please bring any
omission to our attention.
Aurora Contact Information
Email:
denised@athabascau.ca
or write: Aurora Editorial Staff
Athabasca
University
1 University Drive
Athabasca AB
Canada T9S 3A3
Andre Gunder Frank offers practical strategies for social and economic development.
Interview by Anthony Simmons. Updated February 2002.
Paulo Freire, Brazilian popular educator whose work has influenced development
workers worldwide. Interview by Carlos Torres. Updated December 1999.
Frances Fukuyama discusses his controversial idea that we have reached the end of
history. Interview by Maxim Jean-Louis, 1990. Updated February 2002.
John Kenneth Galbraith, perhaps Canada's best- known intellectual export, known for his
critique of orthodox economic wisdom. Interview by John Newark, 1990.
Susan George, explains why for many countries there is No Fate Wor$e Than Debt.
Interview by Mike
Gismondi, 1990. Updated February 2002.
|
Amarta Sen (1990)
Public Action to Remedy Hunger
I feel very deeply honoured by the invitation to give
this lecture and also extremely privileged to have the opportunity of presenting some
ideas on the role of public action in eradicating hunger in the modern world. I shall
argue that systematic public action can eradicate the terrible and resilient problems of
starvation and hunger in the world in which we live. But I shall also argue that for this
to be secured on a lasting basis it is important to integrate the protective role of the
government with the efficient functioning of other economic and social institutions -
varying from trade and commerce to the news media and political parties. It is also
important to see public action in a broad perspective - involving active parts played by
the public itself, going well beyond state planning and governmental actions.
--------------------- |
Social Movements and Culture
(Washington State University)
This site provides a space for the study of social
movements in the U.S., including those movements as linked to transnational and global
movements. Our emphasis is on recent and contemporary movements, but we also aim to
provide materials on earlier movements. We seek to bring together the best insights of
sociology, political science, anthropology, history, cultural studies, American studies,
ethnic studies, women's studies, and other fields of social movement analysis, as well as
the insights of movement activists inside and outside of academia.
----
Articles
Bibliographies
Courses
Glossary
Conferences
MOVEMENT SITES:
Abolition/Slavery
AIDS Activism
American Indian
Anarchism
Anti-Nuclear
Art Activism
Asian/Pacific Am
Black Nationalism
Chicano/Latina
Civil Rights
Disability Rights
Environmental
Gay/Les/Bi/Queer
Globalization
Labor
Media Activism
Socialism
Women's
Multi-issue Sites
--------------------- |
Greenpeace
Greenpeace is asking you to take part in an energy
revolution. To go from a world powered by nuclear and fossil fuels to one
running on renewable energy. Human caused climate change is a reality.
Fortunately, there are proven energy solutions we can put to use today to
provide sustainable development and energy for all. Will this energy
transformation occur rapidly enough to avert the worst effects of a warming
world? You will help decide the answer to that question.
-------------------- |
New Internationalist
A communications co-operative
With over 30 years of publishing under its belt, and more
than 75,000 subscribers worldwide, the New Internationalist
is renowned for its radical, campaigning stance on a range of
world issues, from the cynical marketing of babymilk in the
Majority World to human rights in Burma.
Read
more about A communications co-operative
--------------------
|
Third World Network:
Action Alerts
and Statements
-------------------- |
OneWorld Online
-
GUIDES
(Oneworld.net)
oneworld.net's guides aim to challenge and inform, questioning assumptions
and suggesting alternatives on the subjects that really matter.
------------------- |
Foreign
Policy IN FOCUS
Foreign Policy In Focus (FPIF) is a think tank for research, analysis, and
action that brings together scholars, advocates, and activists who strive to
make the United States a more responsible global partner. The International
Relations Center (IRC) in Silver City, New Mexico and the Institute for Policy
Studies (IPS) in Washington, DC have jointly managed FPIF since 1996.
FPIF provides timely analysis of U.S. foreign policy and
international affairs and recommends policy alternatives. We believe U.S.
security and world stability are best advanced through a commitment to peace,
justice and environmental protection as well as economic, political, and social
rights. We advocate that diplomatic solutions, global cooperation, and
grassroots participation guide foreign policy.
--------------------
|
Christian Aid
Christian Aid is an agency of the churches in the UK and Ireland.
We work wherever the need is greatest – irrespective of religion or race.
Because we
believe in strengthening people to find their own solutions to the problems they
face, we support local organisations, which are best placed to understand local
needs.
We
also give help on the ground through 16 overseas offices.
We strive for
a new world transformed by an end to poverty and we campaign to change the rules
that keep people poor.
Campaigns
-------------- |
MandE News
------------- |
Converge Programme
To enhance the capacity
and effectiveness of not-for-profit, community and non-governmental
organisations by facilitating the provision of premier on-line communication and
publishing services, tools and resources, wherever possible free of charge
--------------------- |
Fundación CIPAV
(Centro para la
Investigación en Sistemas Sostenibles de Producción Agropecuaria)
Fundación
CIPAV is a Colombian NGO founded in 1986. The projects and
programs on which it focuses are alternative agricultural
production systems. In these systems we promote the efficient
and sustainable utilization of the available human and natural
resources, which are in harmony with the environment.
------------------------
|
ActionAid
We are
an international development agency whose aim is to fight poverty
worldwide. Formed in 1972, for over 30 years we have been growing
and expanding to where we are today - helping over 13 million of
the world's poorest and most disadvantaged people in 42 countries
worldwide.
In all of our country programmes we work with local partners to
make the most of their knowledge and experience.
----------------------
|
From the Institute for Global Communications
EcoNet
Beginning in 1987, the Institute for Global Communications (IGC) played a
formative role in bringing advanced communications technologies to grassroots
organizations worldwide working for peace, human rights, environmental
sustainability, women's rights, conflict resolution and worker rights. Our
flagship global computer networks -- PeaceNet, EcoNet, WomensNet, ConflictNet,
LaborNet and AntiRacismNet -- became trademark names in the struggle for
democratic use of the media and the world's communications infrastructure. At
its peak in 1998, IGC had over 35 full-time staff members.
Many things have changed since then. ConflictNet doesn't exist anymore.
LaborNet left the IGC Networks to pursue its own mission. AntiRacismNet is the
newest, thriving IGC Network pursuing a global anti-racism agenda.
IGC no longer offers Internet dial-up or mailing list services. It has formed
partnerships with EarthLink and Topica.com to fill the gap. IGC continues to
offer web hosting services to nonprofit groups, individuals, and small
companies.
--------------------- |
Amnesty International
Amnesty International (AI) is a worldwide movement of people who campaign for
internationally recognized human rights.
AI’s vision is of a world in
which every person enjoys all of the human rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other
international human rights standards.
In pursuit of this vision, AI’s
mission is to undertake research and action focused on preventing and ending
grave abuses of the rights to physical and mental integrity, freedom of
conscience and expression, and freedom from discrimination, within the context
of its work to promote all human rights.
AI is independent of any
government, political ideology, economic interest or religion. It does not
support or oppose any government or political system, nor does it support or
oppose the views of the victims whose rights it seeks to protect. It is
concerned solely with the impartial protection of human rights.
-------------------------- |
The Carter Center
Under
the leadership of former President Jimmy Carter and the Emory
Carter Center Fellows, the Carter Center has earned an
international reputation for bringing people and resources
together to promote peace and human rights, resolve conflict,
foster democracy and development, and fight hunger, poverty, and
disease throughout the world. One of the ways that the Global 2000
Agriculture program developed by the Carter Center is fighting
world hunger is by teaching agricultural skills in places like
Zambia.
----------------------
|
Friends of the Earth
Making life better for
people by inspiring solutions to environmental problems
----------------- |
Rainforest Action Network
Rainforest Action Network (RAN) is made up of 36 staff members
in San Francisco, CA and in Tokyo, Japan, plus thousands of volunteer
scientists, teachers, parents, students and other concerned citizens around the
world. We believe that a sustainable world can be created in our lifetime, and
that aggressive action must be taken immediately to leave a safe and secure
world for our children.
Dubbed “the most savvy environmental agitators in the
business” by the Wall Street Journal, RAN uses hard-hitting markets campaigns to
align the policies of multinational corporations with widespread public support
for environmental protection. We believe that logging ancient forests for copy
paper or destroying an endangered ecosystem for a week’s worth of oil is not
just destructive, but outdated and unnecessary.
---------------------
|
Project Underground
Project Underground
exists as a vehicle for the environmental, human rights and indigenous rights
movements to carry out focused campaigns against abusive extractive resource
activity. We seek to systematically deal with the problems created by the mining
and oil industries by exposing environmental and human rights abuses by the
corporations involved in these sectors and by building capacity amongst
communities facing mineral and energy development to achieve economic and
environmental justice.
------------------------- |
Oxfam International
United for a more equitable world
------------------- |
| Reference desk |
| Survival International |
| Weather Forecast |
| Elementary Education |
| Bibliographies |
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| Pearson Education |
WORDTHEQUE
multilingual library |
"GET ON THE
BUS”
for the MILLION WORKER MARCH, OCT. 17, 2004, WASHINGTON, D.C.!
- JOBS & WORKERS RIGHTS - NOT WAR
- BRING THE TROOPS HOME NOW!
- END THE OCCUPATION OF IRAQ!
- ORGANIZE BUSES - BUSES - BUSES
read more here
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