Quebec, April 2001 | Prague, September 2000 | Washington, April 2000 | Seattle, November/December 1999
Doha (November 9-13, 2001)
Dueling in Doha (November 20, 2001)
This article from Mother Jones points out the successful coalition among activist groups and ministers from developing nations. These combined forces might shape a new world order in Mexico 2003.
Doha Spells Disaster for Development (November 18, 2001)
Caroline Lucas, green member of the European Parliament, dismisses the criticisms that the anti-corporate movement cannot help developing countries' issues and put forward alternative trade rules to economic globalization.(Observer)
Thai Farmers, AIDS Activists March on US Embassy (November 14, 2001)
Huge demonstrations against the Doha meeting took place around the world. Attac reports on the protests that occurred in Bangkok.
Global Civil Society Broadens and Strengthens Mobilisation Against WTO (November 12, 2001)
The enormous security has limited the participation of the civil society in Doha, however hundreds of events are taking place around the world to oppose the launch of a new trade round. (Wto Watch)
Protest Group Shifts Tactics At WTO Talks (November 12, 2001)
One should not compare Seattle and Doha to conclude the activist movement decreases. The demands are the same but in the light of recent events and the location of the World Trade Organization's fourth ministerial meeting, protests had to be done differently. (Washington Post)
Protests Aimed at WTO (November 12, 2001)
A series of demonstrations against the World Trade Organization ministerial meeting took place all over Europe since rigid visa restrictions prevented protesters from entering Doha. (Associated Press)
The Doha Report (November 11, 2001)
As non governmental organizations are sidelined and concerns of developing countries not fully taken into account, the Doha meeting confirms the lack of transparency and democracy of the World Trade Organization. (ZNet)
WTO: Shrink or Sink (November 2001)
The anti-corporate movement demands that governments take into account the principles of democratic control of resources, ecological sustainability, equity, cooperation and precaution at the Doha meeting.(Attac)
Rich Picking (November 7, 2001)
The World Trade Organization meeting in Qatar aims at a new round of negotiation for more liberalization and more freedom for corporations. Despite the limited number of representatives of non-governmental organization allowed, the globalization movement will defend citizens' interests against those of corporations.(Guardian)
At WTO Talks, Protesters Will Be Out of Sight, But Not Out of Mind (November 2, 2001)
Although Qatar prevents street protests from taking place, the demands of the globalization movement will not be lesser, as it is an essential part of democracy. (Wall Street Journal)
For Trade Protesters, 'Slower, Sadder Songs' (October 28, 2001)
Protesters will gather all over the world to warn about the side effects of globalization during the Qatar and the Ottawa meetings. But in a state of war, US protests are unlikely to resemble the previous ones. (New York Times)
Why We Protest (September 10, 2001)
The IMF and World Bank undermine democracy in fundamental ways. The two institutions insist that their (flawed) policies are necessary to promote economic growth but the results in Latin America and Africa clearly show otherwise. (Common Dreams News Center)
Globalization Foes Consider Joining Forces Against WTO (August 20, 2001)
During the upcoming WTO summit, Qatar will allow only a tiny fraction of NGOs and protesters into the country. Will the planned "civil society delegation" be able to express the wide variety of views and approaches of the globalization-reform movement? (Chicago Tribune)
NGO Suggestions Sought; Bid to End Deadlock Over WTO Talks (March 5, 2001)
According to this article in the Bangkok Post, NGOs will be able to put forward suggestions to improve the next round of WTO talks in Qatar.
US NGOs Press Campaign Against Qatar as Next WTO Site (January 29, 2001)
In Qatar, there is no constitution, political parties are banned and the government does not allow political demonstrations. Certainly it is not the first choice of NGOs for the next WTO meeting (InterPress Service).
Washington (September 29-30, 2001)
The Peril of Protest (September 19-25, 2001)
Is it ever a time when criticizing global institutions and their programs is wrong? Following the terrorist attack on the US and the cancellation of the IMF/WTO meetings, activists wonder if it is still wise to protest against these International Financial Institutions representing global capitalism, mainly supported by the US.
Activists Sue Over D.C. Plans to Curb Anti-Globalism Protests (August 21, 2001)
Protests are the expression of basic rights such as freedom of speech and assembly. Again, as in Genoa, police are using the need for protection from the violent fringe – which the Atlanta Journal and Constitution focuses on – as a pretext to undermine the constitutional rights of the peaceful majority of protesters.
Genoa (July 20-22, 2001)
Genoa Photo Gallery
Key Documents
Among the Thugs – Genoa and the New Language of Protest (September 3, 2001)
Anthropologist David Graeber, who is currently working with Ya Basta! and other groups, gives an excellent analysis of the events in Genoa and the actions of the real thugs: the police. (In These Times)
Genoa Protesters Signal Coming of Age of Global Politics (August 4, 2001)
According to Peadar Kirby, the old opposition between "globalization" and "anti-globalization" is obsolete: Today's protesters are lobbying for an alternative form of globalization, not against it. (Irish Times)
What the Protesters in Genoa Want (July 20, 2001)
Michael Hardt and Antonio Negri emphasize that "protest movements are an integral part of a democratic society." NGOs in the globalization-reform movement have shown that a more just form of globalization than the present one is indeed possible. (New York Times)
Articles
Protests Return to Haunt Italy (March 11, 2004)
Italian courts are trying protesters and police for their roles in the July 2001 G8 summit protests in Genoa. Forty seven officers are charged with torturing arrested protesters and twenty nine others for giving false testimony, defamation, abuse of authority, and causing injuries. One protester is serving a prison sentence for rioting. (Inter Press Service)
EU's Secret Network to Spy on Anti-Capitalist Protesters (August 20, 2001)
As a result of the violence in Genoa – no matter that it came from the police itself – EU governments have decided to set up a database with information on protesters. Police will be able to collect data on activists and limit their freedom of movement, criminalizing the globalization-reform movement and violating civil liberties. (Attac Newsletter)
Fascism's Face in Genoa (August 20, 2001)
After the protests in Genoa, many questions remain open: Who was responsible for the police raid of the Genoa Social Forum, and who made up the "black bloc"? (Nation)
Outcry Grows Over Police Use of Force in Genoa (August 8, 2001)
Italian police in Genoa has been treating detained protesters unfairly and violently, which is particularly outrageous given the police's behavior during the G8 conference. (New York Times)
Call for Europe to Form Anti-Riot Force (August 6, 2001)
Otto Schily and Claudio Scajola, Germany's and Italy's interior ministers, want to set up a EU anti-riot force, ignoring one crucial lesson from Genoa: The police is part of the problem, not the solution. (Guardian)
After Genoa (August 6, 2001)
Police violence in Genoa has only reinforced the urgency of the protesters' demands: The world's most powerful governments have to put an end to secrecy and make their decisions accountable to their citizens if they want to be more democratic than their mercantilist and colonialist predecessors. (Nation)
A Death in Genoa: Who killed Carlo Giuliani? (August 2, 2001)
According to Nathan Newman, the key to success for the globalization-reform movement lies in disciplined resistance. Otherwise the protesters fighting for democratic change will never become very powerful. (Progressive Populist)
Genoa Protesters: Your Image Needs Work (July 31, 2001)
Protesters have to be careful regarding their media image, says Nancy Snow – but isn't it the media themselves who are most at fault here? (Newsday)
As an Old Peace Protester, I Have no Time for Anarchists (July 24, 2001)
Donald Macintyre distances himself from violent protesters since they have done more damage than good: "It isn't good enough to say that to a cynical media the only way of making your presence felt is through violence." (Independent)
Stay Home for a While (July 23, 2001)
Katharine Ainger urges globalization-reform activists to build "a genuine, grassroots legitimacy from below". In her view, hard work at home will ultimately have a much larger effect than summit protests abroad. (Guardian)
Police Hit Hard at Core of Dissent – Demonstrators Denounce Violent Raid on Protest Nerve Center (July 23, 2001)
The police raid of the headquarters of the Genoa Social Forum, an umbrella organization of globalization-reform NGOs, was another case where police ‘confused' peaceful with violent action in Genoa. (Guardian)
State Terrorism in Genoa - International Action Appeal (July 22, 2001)
ZNet calls for more action against the G8 and the police, who tried to suppress peaceful protests with violence during the Genoa summit, including the killing of two people on July 20. (ZNet)
One Dead, 80 Injured in Genoa: The Violent Defense of Indefensible Policies (July 20, 2001)
Police violence at Genoa, as deadly as it was, also had the effect of highlighting the growing disconnect between G8 policies and global public opinion, finds John Nichols. (Nation)
Violent Fringe Gives the NGOs a Bad Name (July 19, 2001)
Maria Livanos Cattaui, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce, dismisses any form of physical action against globalization as ignorant and politically illegitimate. Her view that people should run in elections instead of organizing protests sadly illustrates her narrow definition of democracy.
Genoa on Minds of Protesters (July 18, 2001)
For all its heterogeneity, the anti-globalization movement has the potential of being as powerful at the upcoming G8 summit in Genoa - but hopefully not as violent - as the protests at the 1999 WTO meeting in Seattle. (Los Angeles Times)
Barcelona (June 25-27, 2001)
World Bank Fails to Stop Protests (June 26, 2001)
Some cyber protesters were successful when the World Bank conducted its annual conference on development economics on the internet. (Scotsman)
Police Accused of Starting Fight to Smash World Bank Protest (June 25, 2001)
Police appear to have initiated violence during anti-globalization protests in Barcelona, where the Bank had originally planned to hold its annual meeting before 'relocating' it to the internet. (Independent)
Cyber War Declared on World Bank (June 20, 2001)
Protesters have announced to express their opposition to globalization through 'cyber sit-ins' and virtual attacks after the World Bank decided to hold its upcoming conference on the internet. (Guardian)
Protest Fears Halt World Bank Talks (May 21, 2001)
The World Bank cancels its next big conference in Barcelona stating fears of protests similar to those that marked meetings from Seattle to Prague. (Guardian)
Gothenburg (June 15-16, 2001)
Has Democracy Really Come to This? (June 19, 2001)
Political leaders do not seem disturbed by the fact that at the EU summit in Gothenburg police shot one protester with live ammunition. Instead, they work hard to keep up the impression that they are still in control of the global economy, while this has become less and less true. (Independent)
Quebec (April 20-22, 2001)
Democracy For All (April 23, 2001)
Although the People's Summit in Quebec can be called a success, the protesters have yet to learn one lesson: by rejecting the proposed trade deal before even seeing the draft text, they don't act democratically and marginalize themselves. (The Montreal Gazette)
Police Arrest 200 in Second Day of Quebec Riots (April 22, 2001)
More than 20,000 peaceful opponents of free trade were marginalized by violent protesters. Not surprisingly, the news media focused on the easily photographed chaos and mostly ignored the anti-globalization crusade. (Boston Globe)
Global Free Traders Want to Make Protest Seem Dangerous (March 23, 2001)
At the Summit of the Americas in Quebec City starting this week, control methods are more effective than those used in Prague. They aim to keep activists out before they even get there. (The Guardian)
Prague (September 22-25, 2000)
Luddites' We Should Not Ignore (September 29, 2000)
To blindly condemn global protests is misunderstanding "the most significant political movement to emerge in a generation." (The Guardian)
Protests Create a Scene Czechs Can Do Without (September 27,2000)
The violence in Prague has disappointed many Czechs and also protest organizers such as Chelsea Mosen of the Initiative Against Economic Globalization. ( The Boston Globe )
A Movement of One No and Many Yes's: The INPEG Countersummit (September 24, 2000)
As the counter summit came to a close, participants were looking at the future of their movement, debating on their strength and diversity.(Praha.indymedia.org)
From Melbourne to Prague: the Struggle for a Deglobalized World (September 2000)
Walden Bello, the Executive Director of Focus on the Global South, argues that it is useless to try to reform Bretton Woods institutions or the WTO. (Freespeech.org)
Anti-Capitalist Protests: Angry and Effective ( September 23, 2000)
In discussing the ability of protesters to foster global democracy, the Economist states that NGOs do not contribute to advancing the cause of the world's poor. Rather, they are "getting in the way".
Activists Gear Up for Europe's Biggest Anti-Globalization Protests (September 18, 2000)
While most media only talk about the security issues and the expected bloodshed in Prague, this article from the Inter Press Service provides an outline of the protesters' opinions and demands.
Protest in Prague: Opinions on Globalization are Shifting (September 18, 2000)
Despite a tendency to evoke universal condemnation and a predisposition to knee-jerk reactions themselves, international protesters against corporate globalization have succeeded in bringing important issues on the agenda, argues the Guardian, citing the World Bank's Development Report as a case in point.
Prague Gets Ready for Protests (August 28, 2000)
Prague prepares for the anarchist hordes due to smash McDonalds' and disrupt public lives in September! No reason to worry, says Ecountries.com, the protesters are almost universally peaceful and interested in a constructive dialogue rather than headlines-grabbing mayhem.
Anti-IMF Protestors Plot Czech "Seattle II" (August 6, 2000)
IMF director general Horst Koehler pledged complete openness with the protestors, saying delegates will even attend some meetings organized by NGOs. (Agence France Presse)
Anti-Globalization Movement Sets Sights On Prague (July 12, 2000)
Anti-globalization protesters are pumped up for the annual IMF and World Bank meeting in Prague. These massive protests, formerly seen in Seattle and Washington D.C., have begun to bring some minor change in the institutions. (50 Years Is Enough Network)
Czech, Solidarita calls for international protests against IMF/WB conference in Prague 2000 (March 21, 2000)
A Czech revolutionary anarchist organization calls for an anti-capitalist campaign in an attempt to shut down the IMF and the World Bank. (A-Infos News)
N30 Seattle; A16 DC; S20 Prague! Initiative Against Economic Globalization (March 15, 2000)
After the Seattle events, a huge wave of global resistance has risen against the expanding power of global capital. Initiative Against Economic Globalization (INPEG) is determined to protest against the role of the IMF and the World Bank during their 55th annual summit. (IGC Member Conference)
Washington (April 16-17, 2000)
Seattle Comes to Washington (April 15-21, 2000)
The Economist presents a conservative analysis of protests in Washington, with some interesting charts reflecting protestors attitudes towards globalization.
South African Bitterly Criticizes IMF Policies (April 14, 2000)
People gathering from all over the world will be convening this weekend in Washington DC to demand that the IMF reform its money lending policies. (Chicago Tribune)
Rally Urges World Bank, IMF to Lift Countries' Debt (April 11, 2000)
Thousands peacefully gathered in Washington to draw attention to the importance of HIPC debt relief, to aiding countries to achieve sustainable development. ''The countries, they can't spend any money on education and health care because they can't pay off the debt.'' (Boston Globe)
Thousands Rally To Urge Erasing Third World Debt (April 10, 2000)
AFL-CIO President John Sweeney declared that corporate-driven globalization of the economy was "killing the hopes and dreams of working families from Managua to Milwaukee as divergent groups gather in Washington to rally for HIPC debt relief. (Associated Press)
A Dozen Reasons To Come To DC For April 16 (April 5, 2000)
Russell Mokhiber and Robert Weissman, founders of the Multinational Monitor , and one of the sponsors of the Mobilization for Global Justice give 16 reasons why people should participate in the protests in Washington DC. (Common Dreams)
With Seattle in Mind, Police Show Strength at New Jersey I.M.F. Rally (April 3, 2000)
An article from the Associated Press about police fears of supposedly "destructive protestors" carrying on the spirit of the protests at the WTO Seattle meetings, in rallies against the IMF in New Jersey.
Spring Protests in Washington, DC Another Seattle? (March 24, 2000)
Article discussing upcoming protests that will rival with Seattle in their impact on the institutions of globalization. The IMF and World Bank will face the first major demonstrations ever to take place on their home territory. (Z Magazine)
Anti World Bank, IMF Activists Say Thousands Will Rally in DC Next Month (March 15, 2000)
"The Mobilization for Global Justice, grouping organized labor, human rights and environmental activists, and faith-based movements, said its two days of protests April 16-17 will target the annual spring meetings of World Bank and IMF policy makers."(Agence France-Presse)
Seattle (November 27 to December 3, 1999)
Key Documents
The WTO: Inside, Outside, All Around The World (January 6, 2000)
An in depth analysis of the issues raised by the WTO protestors in Seattle, as well as the shocking first hand account from Paul Hawken, a respected environmental businessman, of what actually happened. (Natural Capital Institute)
Articles
Is 'Taking It to the Streets' Worth the Bruises, Tear Gas and Arrests? (September 29, 2008)
During the protests at the WTO meetings in Seattle in 1999, mainstream media reported mainly on the property damage caused by a few participants and described the protests as unproductive. This article argues that, in the short term, the protesters played a role in encouraging representatives from poor countries to pull out of the negotiations. In the long run, the protests changed people's awareness, which made it difficult for countries to discuss behind closed doors without having to publicly defend their actions. (AlterNet)
Seattle Protesters Make Me Sick, Says Trade Chief. (February 6, 2001)
Michael Moore says protesters make him want to vomit. Protesters say, Michael Moore kills the poor. (Reuters)
In the Aftermath of Seattle: Backlash Reigns (October 3, 2000)
A critique of the "shut- it-down- strategy" stressing that "some form of multilateral economic governance is fundamentally important". Instead of condemning international institutions, protesters should focus on the US role in the development of a corporate-led globalization. (In Focus)
After the WTO Protest in Seattle, It's Time to Go on the Offensive. Here's How. (January 18, 2000)
William Grieder offers a thought provoking analysis of the WTO protests and how this nascent global civil society can move forward its agenda. (Global Agenda)
Rebels in Search of Rules (December 10, 1999)
A New York Times article arguing that the protests at the WTO Seattle meeting signalled the beginning of a discussion about the nature of globalization.
WTO Coverage: Prattle in Seattle (December 7, 1999)
An essay from (FAIR), a media watch dog, on the bias of reporting done on the WTO Conference in Seattle.
The Battle in Seattle: What Was That All About? (December 5 ,1999)
A Washington Post article explaining how the Seattle protests represented civil society's greater concern about globalization and its impact on American culture.
NGOs Unwelcome at Forum (November 30, 1999)
Report from the World Trade Observer on the WTO-NGO symposium in Seattle. NGOs voiced criticism of the WTO and suggestions for change.
French Demonstrators Demand WTO Put People Ahead of Profits (November 27, 1999)
In anticipation of WTO meetings in Seattle, 1000s demonstrate to express concerns that freer trade will lead to greater exploitation of the environment and less respect for human rights as well as loss of French jobs. (Reuters)
Seattle and Beyond: Disarming the New World Order (November 1999)
Michel Chossudovsky, Professor of Economics at the University of Ottawa in Canada, discusses the Counter Summitt at the WTO meeting in Seattle, the illegality of the WTO, China's accession to the WTO and the new world order including issues of speculation and financial deregulation.
11 Countries Criticize Green Room Process (November 15, 1999)
Martin Khor, executive director of Third World Network, reports from Geneva about a letter sent to the WTO chair criticizing lack of transparency during the preparations for the Seattle meeting.
The WTO and the Millennium Round: What is at Stake for Public Education? (fall 1999)
"Common concerns for workers in education and the public sector." A joint publication from Education International (Belgium) and Public Services International (France).
Caravan Across Country Aims to Bolster WTO Critics' Bandwagon (October 19, 1999)
An article from Seattle Times about the free-trade protesters' movement opposing to the WTO before the November meeting in Seattle.
For Seattle, Triumph and Protest (October 13, 1999)
The New York Times reports on the protests planned for the WTO meeting in Seattle, November 27 to December 3, 1999.
Business Leaders Fight Back Against Anti-WTO Forces (September 24, 1999)
Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports on the US Alliance for Trade Expansion, a coalition of businesses initiating a public relations campaign to counter criticism of the WTO. They are also planning to set up a "war room" during the Seatlle meeting.
Protesters Busily Practice for WTO Meeting in Seattle (September 10, 1999)
An article from the Seattle Times about different groups' preparations for protests in Seattle. Also outlines some of the criticisms of the WTO coming from both the left and right sides of the political spectrum.
Shutting Down Seattle (August 19, 1999)
Article from the Seattle Weekly about the highly organized protests being planned around the WTO meeting in Seattle.
A Plan to Let Public in on WTO Talks (August 6, 1999)
Plans for a hearing of various interest groups prior to commencement of talks (Seattle Post-Intelligencer).
Greens Fight Zero Tariff on Forest Products (June 29, 1999)
Seattle Post-Intelligence Reporter article on environmental groups' protests against the WTO's proposal to reduce tariffs on forest products to zero, claiming that the de-regulation will destroy rainforests.
The Magic of "Sustainable Development" (June 7, 1999)
A report by Kenneth Haar, International Secretary of the Red Green Alliance, on the Danish debate on the proposed WTO Millennium Round.
Cuernavaca Consensus (May 1999)
A statement agreed to by activists and academics who are fighting the negative consequences of globalizing an industrial model of agriculture. The declaration is a list of issues that participants felt the upcoming agriculture negotiations at the WTO should address.
A Sign-On Statement Opposing New Trade Negotiations (April 23, 1999)
Link to the Third World Network and a post by international civil society against a comprehensive round of trade liberalisation.
