News & Notes on Global Democratization: August-September 2008

In this Issue

I. Walden Bello on the Global Anti-War Movement and the World Social Forum

II. Nepal Constituent Assembly Election 2008: An Observer’s Account

III. ESF Preparation 2008

IV. Upcoming at the WSF IC meeting in Copenhagen

V. 'Who can save us from the future?'

VI. World Social Forum: Challenging Empires

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I. Walden Bello on the Global Anti-War Movement and the World Social Forum

Interview with Ruth Reitan

In late March 2008, Walden Bello attended the International Studies Association Convention in San Francisco; while there, he spoke with Ruth Reitan comparing the rise, current state and future prospects of the global anti-war and anti-imperialist movements in Asia, the US and Europe.  The discussion also involves,  attempts-- difficulties—in further collaboration between Northern activists and the most decisive forces on the ground in Iraq and Afghanistan. Walden clarified his recent critiques of the World Social Forum’s role in advancing vs. hindering the global struggles against neoliberalism and neo-imperialism.

II. Nepal Constituent Assembly Election 2008: An Observer’s Account

Uddhab Pyakurel

Many Nepalese and international observers following political developments in Nepal were surprised by the results of the Constituent Assembly (CA) election held on April 10, 2008. There are arguments that the election was a product of coercion, others believe the Maoist victory was due to its popularity within Nepal. Questions remain on how the majority of the pre-poll presumptions were wrong; moreover, what can parties learn from this experience on how to strengthen public security during future elections.  Uddhab Pyakurel  offers his first-hand observations from the pre-election situation to election day.

This article was originally published in Mainstream July 5, 2008

2. Travel Report: Back in the Ex-USSR

Peter Waterman

A half-century after the Moscow World Youth Festival of 1957, Peter Waterman visits two Russian friends now involved in an 'International Committee for Citizen Diplomacy'. 50 years ago, he, they and Russia were Communist and 'internationalist'. Since then Russia, Peter and his old Russian friends have been radically transformed. Peter, now committed to the global justice and solidarity movement, visits Moscow and the small town of Elets to see whether the Citizen Diplomats and he still have something in common. 

III. ESF Preparation 2008

Tord Bjӧrk

Hosting the European Social Forum has presented the opportunity to the Nordic countries to challenge and development the ideas, concepts, and format of the social forum. Tord Bjӧrk shares his opinions, from the point of view as an organiser, on the debates and confrontations occurring throughout the ESF preparations . What lessons exists on how to improve cooperation between very different movements? This piece is a work in progress.

2. ESF Timeline

Tord Bjӧrk

The first ESF was against neo-liberalism, racism and war, and was considered successful due to its large number and wide range of participants. Along the way there have been controversial decisions that have changed the shape of the forum In preparation for the European Social Forum Tord Bjӧrk reviews the ESF process from 2002 through 2008 to better see the present , and the direction it is heading.

3. Social Movements, Librarians and Historians at the ESF
Read more on this workshop organised by NIGD and partners which considers the roles of social movements, librarians and historians in the construction of societal, cultural and informational commons on the road to another Europe

IV. Upcoming at the WSF IC meeting in Copenhagen
Compiled by Ruby van der Wekken
Following the ESF, the next WSF International Council meeting will take place from 22-24 September in Copenhagen, Denmark. Read more on the issues upcoming. 

V. 'Who can save us from the future?'

Turbulence: Ideas for movement No. 4
Thinking about the future has become a problem. What both capitalism and 'really existing socialism' had in common was the belief in a future where infinite happiness would spring from the infinite expansion of production, and now talk of impending doom is lending to the 'crisis of the future' – that is, of our capacity to think about the future. The collection of articles in the most recent edition of Turbulence speaks to us about futures and of finding new ways in which to think about the future.

Available in Spanish 

V. World Social Forum: Challenging Empires

Second Edition

Jai Sen, Peter Waterman editors

Editors Jai Sen and Peter Waterman have made available a comprehensive volume providing a glimpse into the wide-ranging discussions, debates and arguments which have gone into making the World Social Forum (WSF). Building upon the First Edition (published in India by the Viveka Foundation, New Delhi in 2004), this Second Edition has been revised and updated to include coverage of additional Social Forums taking place as recently as the summer of 2007.

Jeffrey S. Juris

The book provides an ethnographic account of the cultural practice and politics of transnational networking among anti-corporate globalization activists with a particular focus on the links between digital technologies, new forms of organization, and emerging political imaginaries. Furthermore, Jeffrey Juris explores network organizing, performative protest, and violence during mass direct actions. Networking Futures: the Movements against Corporate Globalization is published by Duke University Press.