Alter-globalization
Alter-globalization (or
Alter-mondialization from the French
altermondialisme) is the name of an
anti-capitalist social movement which supports the international integration of
globalization but advocates that values of
democracy, economic justice,
environmental protection, and
human rights be put ahead of purely economic concerns. The term was coined against accusations of
nationalism by
neoliberal proponents of so-called globalization, meaning both a support of
humanism universal values but a rejection of the
Washington consensus and similar neoliberal policies. It is henceforth similar to the
Global Justice Movement expression. The "alter-globalization" French movement was thus opposed to the "
Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe" on the grounds that it only advanced
Tony Blair's "third 'socialist' way".
Alter-globalization is considered distinct from the more widely-used word '
anti-globalization', which is thought to be pejorative by members of the movement. The name may be taken as coming from the popular
slogan of this movement: '
Another world is possible', coming from the
World Social Forum.
Originally developed in
French as
altermondialisme, it has been borrowed into English in the form of
altermondialism or
altermondialization. It defines the stance of movements opposed to a
neoliberal globalization, but favorable to a globalization respectful of
human rights, the
environment,
national sovereignty, and
cultural diversity.Following the French usage of the word
altermondialist, the English counterpart '
alter-globalist' may be coined.
This movement objects to what it deems as
neo-liberal globalization. The movement mainly opposes the way it believes that international institutions (such as the
WTO, the
IMF, and the
World Bank) work towards First World economic interests. In its most radical form, alter-globalization approaches and is confused with
internationalism as put forth by
communists, since both oppose a globalization that would prioritize business interests (capitalists) over ordinary people (the proletariat).
The term
alter-globalization is derived from the term
anti-globalization, which journalists and others used to describe the movement. Many French journalists, in particular, have since ceased using the term
anti-globalization in favor of
alter-globalization. It is supposed to distinguish proponents of alter-globalization from different "anti-globalization" activists (those who are against
any kind of globalization:
nationalists,
protectionists,
communitarians, etc.).
Advocates of alter-globalization have set up an online global news network, the
Independent Media Center, to report on developments pertinent to the movement. Groups in favor of alter-globalization include
ATTAC, an international trade reform network headquartered in France.
The largest forum for alter-globalization activity is the annual
World Social Forum.
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Democratic globalization*
anti-globalization*
Altermondialisme.net
