Global Dialogue for Systemic Change

(Español/Français) (download pdf file) We are living in an unprecedented global crisis that requires a deep reflection, rethinking and dialogue among activists, organizations and social movements around the world. Critical strategies are essential, to deal with the current crises and to shape what comes next. More than ever we need to share analysis, experiences, ideas and alternatives, in the face of growing health, social, economic, … Continue reading Global Dialogue for Systemic Change

Liberating labor to heal the world

Thomas Coutrot (Español/Français) Every morning, millions of workers wake up and go to work to produce, use or sell something contributing to destroying life on earth, and this work makes them ill. Whether in the automobile or ship-building industries, or the electrical, chemical, oil and food ones, finance, agriculture, computer science, civil engineering, advertising or research, capital needs the active engagement of employees in all … Continue reading Liberating labor to heal the world

Will the coronavirus end capitalism?

Xavier Ricard Lanata: The dilemmas of the reconfiguration of capitalism The crisis of globalization comes from 2008. Commercial exchanges have been declining. There was a contraction process that predated the virus. Now the virus has aggravated this situation. What is going to happen? Those who are creditors of capital will look for ways to increase the value of it at any cost. In the northern … Continue reading Will the coronavirus end capitalism?

In memoriam ‒ Martin Khor

By Yilmaz Akyüz and Richard Kozul-Wright

GENEVA, Apr 3 2020 (IPS) – We are greatly saddened by the passing of Martin Khor, a long-time friend and colleague, an undaunted fighter for the poor and underprivileged, a passionate believer in a more balanced and inclusive multilateralism, a rare intellectual and eloquent orator, an icon of the Global South worthy of veneration, greatly respected for his struggle for justice and fairness against the dominance and double-standards of big economic powers. Continue reading “In memoriam ‒ Martin Khor”

The new frontiers of democracy

Christophe Aguiton

(Español/ Français)To talk about “systemic alternatives” means to address concepts or experiences that result from real social practices which emerged either recently or in the past, and which question, partially or entirely, the current system of domination. In this way we have to examine the ways in which these alternatives are managed, that is, the democratic models that ensure their regulation. Continue reading “The new frontiers of democracy”

Evo’s questions*

By Pablo Solón

[Español, français] Saturday, the night of November 24. Any resemblance to reality is pure coincidence. A series of questions pass through Evo’s mind as he reads the law that just passed unanimously in the Senators and Deputies chamber:

Why did they not consider my resignation letter in the Legislative Assembly? Does my party not have more than two thirds in the parliament? How can they unanimously approve, together with the coup plotters, a law to annul the elections of October 20, and call to new elections? Why did they not follow the path to reject my resignation and thus make it clear to the world that there are two governments, one fascist and racist coup, and another legitimate and indigenous ready to return to Bolivia? Do they not realize that by not discussing my resignation letter they are admitting that I abandoned my duties and that is why Añez proclaimed herself President? Continue reading “Evo’s questions*”

Counterrevolution The Global Rise of the Far Right

By Walden Bello The far right is on the rise. The rhetoric of anger and resentment is emanating from personalities like Donald Trump, Marine Le Pen, Rodrigo Duterte and Viktor Orban and is captivating and mobilizing large numbers of people. In an increasing number of countries, the extreme right has already captured the government or is on the threshold of power. While this swift turn … Continue reading Counterrevolution The Global Rise of the Far Right

Paper Dragons: China and the Next Crash

Comments of Walden Bello on his new book, “Paper Dragons: China and the Next Crash” Why China might be the trigger of the next global financial crisis is the subject of the first event in my book tour at Sciences Po in Paris, with Prof Cornelia Woll and Victor Mallet, Paris bureau chief of the Financial Times, serving as commentators. Sept 19, 2019. Brief Remarks … Continue reading Paper Dragons: China and the Next Crash

Evo Morales: the fall of the hero of the Bolivian transformation

Evo Morales’ achievements in Bolivia should be remembered forever – but the left must also learn from his mistakes. By: Nick Dearden Originally published by Opendemocracy, with permission from the author The resignation of Bolivian president Evo Morales brings to an end an incredible era in Bolivia’s history. Morales, a one-time coca farmer, and the first indigenous president of the country, came to power on … Continue reading Evo Morales: the fall of the hero of the Bolivian transformation

What happened in Bolivia? Was there a coup?

By: Pablo Solón [version en español – version française] Evo Morales could have finished his third electoral mandate on the 22 January 2020 as a very popular president and the possibility of running for – and even winning – the 2024 elections, if he had not forced through his re-election for a fourth term. As the President of Bolivia, he a) did not recognise the … Continue reading What happened in Bolivia? Was there a coup?

A Dignified Death for the WSF A Contribution to the GTI Forum: Farewell to the WSF?

Pablo Solón and Mary Louise Malig October 2019 In life, everything has a cycle: a beginning, a middle, and an end. And what a beginning it was for the World Social Forum. The year was 2001, the emblematic success of the 1999 Seattle protests against the World Trade Organization (WTO) inspired so many, not only because they shut down the Seattle WTO Ministerial, but also … Continue reading A Dignified Death for the WSF A Contribution to the GTI Forum: Farewell to the WSF?

The angels of Chaparina

Pablo Solón

Who gave the order for the intervention of the indigenous march in Chaparina? Sacha Llorenti stomps “Eh, eh“. He answers with a slight smile “on that subject, the answer must be given by justice.”

Tear gas start to rain over the improvised camp built in Chaparina. Confusion, fear and anger take over the marchers who had been walking to the city of La Paz for 41 days, in rejection of the construction of the road that will divide the Isiboro Sécure National Park and the National Territory (TIPNIS) into two. Attack, fire! It’s 5:20 pm on September 25, 2011. Continue reading “The angels of Chaparina”

Free Trade first: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation will be convening governments and business to discuss trade and economic integration in Chile right before the Climate Summit

By: Mary Louise Malig* [en español] After the massive mobilizations and climate strikes that took place in numerous cities around the planet, with an estimate of more than six million people participating, many are now turning their attention to the coming United Nations Framework on Climate Change Conference or COP 25 for short. COP 25 will be help in Santiago, Chile from December 2-13, 2019 … Continue reading Free Trade first: The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation will be convening governments and business to discuss trade and economic integration in Chile right before the Climate Summit

Immanuel Wallerstein: A major thinker for another possible world, for a better world

By: Christophe Aguiton and Gustave Massiah [Version française] Immanuel Wallerstein has left us, we feel a great sadness and emptiness. It is a great loss that we will no longer be able to discuss and debate with one of the people to whom we were intellectually closest and who counted so much. Immanuel represented the best imaginable figure of the committed intellectual, in the line … Continue reading Immanuel Wallerstein: A major thinker for another possible world, for a better world

Printemps silencieux*

[Versión en español][English version] Pablo Solon, environnementaliste, ancien ambassadeur de Bolivie auprès des Nations Unies Les oiseaux sont partis. Beaucoup de gens, confus et inquiets, l’ont remarqué. Les quelques oiseaux restant se meurent : ils tremblent et ne peuvent pas voler.  C’est un printemps sans voix. 1962. Le livre de Rachel Carson vient d’être publié et devient rapidement un best-seller. Ce livre s’ouvre sur une … Continue reading Printemps silencieux*

Silent Springs

By: Pablo Solón [Versión en Español] version française The birds are gone.Many people speak of them, confused and worried.The few birds that are seen are dying: they tremble and cannot fly.It is a spring void of voices. 1962: Rachel Carson’s book has just been published and quickly becomes a bestseller. It begins with a “fable for tomorrow” in which a town is imagined where birds … Continue reading Silent Springs

Primaveras Silenciosas

Por Pablo Solón [Version in English} Los pájaros se han ido. Mucha gente habla de ellos, confusa y preocupada. Las pocas aves que se ven están moribundas: tiemblan y no pueden volar. Es una primavera sin voces. 1962: El libro de Rachel Carson acaba de ser publicado y rápidamente se convierte en un bestseller. Comienza con una “fabula para el día de mañana” en la … Continue reading Primaveras Silenciosas

Walden Bello,PhD speaking tour on the launch of his two new books on the global rise of the far right and the latest on China

Bello is going on a speaker tour to present his two new books: “Paper Dragons: China and the Next Crash” and “Counterrevolution: The Global Rise of the Far Right” Bello will be speaking on counterrevolution, financial crises, and China. Issues that are all timely and relevant in these current times. Here is the schedule of his book tour, which has already begun. Try to catch … Continue reading Walden Bello,PhD speaking tour on the launch of his two new books on the global rise of the far right and the latest on China

Trumpism is capitalism’s Plan B

[Nick Dearden, June 3, 2019, Red Pepper] “I’ve travelled 24 hours, from Manila to Rio, to be here, yet politically I feel I haven’t left home.” Walden Bello, leading light of the ‘anti-globalisation movement’ and former Filipino congressman reflected on the rise of authoritarian right-wing ‘strong men’ from the Philippines to Brazil. I joined him in Brazil to assess what has changed in the 20 … Continue reading Trumpism is capitalism’s Plan B