Anti-globalisation movement

Background

Publications

Background

Trade and the process of globalisation are strongly connected. Open trade regimes have integrated different regions into closer networks. These closer linkages have in turn generated more trade. The positive relationship between trade and globalisation has been emphasised by many politicians, academics and businessmen. They point at the positive impacts of trade and globalisation on economic development, such as the benefits which can be achieved through an international division of labour and scale economies. Others, however, are more sceptical. They fear that the negative implications of increased, open trade in a globalised world will harm development, for example through environmental pollution and exposure to external shocks.

The opponents of globalisation, the so-called anti-globalisers, furthermore believe that the globalisation process and the role of trade therein evolves in such a way that developed countries benefit more than developing countries. Their criticism is largely focusing on these inequalities. The anti-globalisers claim that developed countries force developing countries to open up markets while the rich nations themselves keep important markets closed. Agriculture is an important example. They voice criticism on the role of the international organisations such as the World Bank and the WTO. In particular the latter is the object of criticism as its opponents argue that the WTO is captured by interests of developed nations. In addition, the anti-globalisers criticise the role of multi-national enterprises (MNEs) from rich countries.

Trade is an important issue for the anti-globalist movement but it is not the only issue. Financial liberalisation is another example in which anti-globalisers criticise the role of the international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the IMF.

The anti-globalist movement is not a cohesive movement. Different groups focus on separate issues. Their methods in achieving their objectives differ as well. Some groups are more radical than others. Some are even violent, whereas others are seeking to make their case through consultation and discussion. Those who are willing to serve as consultation partners may become or are already important actors in the processes of reducing negative impacts of globalisation and of reforming international organisations. There is no doubt that the influence of anti-globalist groups has increased. For example, they have been important advocates of an international agreement on ozone-destroying CFCs and have played an important role ahead of the 1992 Rio de Janeiro Summit on Sustainable Development. In 2002, the anti-globalist movement has helped to shape the agenda during the follow up of Rio de Janeiro, in Johannesburg, for example through pushing for the inclusion of CSR in the Johannesburg Summit’s declaration.

Publications

Towards a different kind of globalisation or, how the anti-globalisers view the world, Van Liemt, G., Background paper prepared for the ILO’s World Commission on the Social Dimension of Globalisation, July 2002 

This paper discusses the views of anti-globalisers, who are defined as those anti-globalists that are non-violent activists. The author touches upon the causes which drive the anti-globalisers. The WTO is the focus of the discussion. The document highlights the ways which anti-globalisers use to support their cases, as well as the achievements of their actions. He concludes that some groups have become important dialogue partners and contribute to the reform process of international institutions as well as to setting the international agenda such as for the environment.

For the document click here.

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