Globalization

The Latin American Studies Association wrote an open letter to Barack Obama giving an analytic explanation about why they hope the next Presidential administration will improve relations with Latin America. October 12, 2008

Cuba’s Natural Disaster: A Good Time to Lift the US Embargo and End a Failed Policy.  October 10, 2008

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez said on Wednesday that the global financial crisis whose epicenter is the United States marks the beginning of a process of "de-escalation" that "will put an end to the evil capitalist model, which has done so much harm to the world."El Universal. October 10, 2008

Candidates' Positions on Trade Agreements

To help voters understand where candidates stand on trade agreements, the Iowa Fair Trade Campaign (IFTC) extracted statements from responses to its set of principles (PDF) by major Democratic* candidates on the following topics:

January 30, 2008

This document summarizes ideas on what new trade models should entail. It is the result of open dialogues with UFE friends and partners involved in various aspects of social justice organizing. January 30, 2008

Alternative Economic Models, Governmental and Grassroots

Alternative economic models at the regional, national, and international levels are diverse in their strategies to reform current, failing models. However, all operate to counteract the paramount goal of today's global economy: profit. These alternative models also advocate for free trade economic models which promote basic self-sufficiency before profit maximization, and which prioritize human dignity and the rights of those disenfranchised by the present economic and political system.

November 20, 2007

Global Justice Movement

The global social movement of groups and individuals is often referred to as a movement of movements, one which believes that a different, better world is possible. It criticizes the dominant neo-liberal economic model and its institutions, such as the World Trade Organization and the International Monetary Fund. It also confronts the processes by which these economic policies are implemented, such as militarization, undermining democratic process, environmental degradation, and disregard for human rights.

November 20, 2007

Militarization

Proponents of militarization claim that national security lies in military dominance both within a society and against other nations. Militarization exerts power through social control, and through weaponry and military forces. Proponents of globalization depend on militarization as a means to maintain economic power. This corporate model can dominate national budgets to fund privatized armies and to outsource wars.

Keywords: recruitment, privatization, imperialism, terrorism, fascism, and social control.

November 20, 2007

Corporate Dominance

Corporate domination of our economic and political lives often leads to corporate crime and greed, while undermining democratic institutions. More than any time in history, today's trans-national corporate power obscures the rights of the public. Without greater accountability, corporate dominance will continue to overshadow national sovereignty and undermine the principles of the common wealth.

Keywords: Corporate accountability, corporate crime, corporate personhood, transparency

Related Links:

November 20, 2007

Women and Globalization

Historically, there is extensive discrimination against women, particularly women of developing nations and women of color. Under neoliberal global economic policies, women often are forced to tolerate harsh conditions of labor-intensive work, low-wages, sexual and physical abuse, inferior education, and lack of social services. To counter these trends, women worldwide have organized to advance economic and political alternatives for their communities, and have directed key social and political movements to defend their rights.

November 20, 2007