Another World is Possible: Popular Alternatives to Globalization at the World Social Forum

Book Description

Many believe that there are no alternatives to globalization as we know it--with its world of giant corporations in the driving seat, dominating a "free" market in reality shaped in accordance with their dictates, and elevating economics over all other human considerations and values. But there are alternatives. And the global justice movement is giving voice to them. In this remarkable collection, the compilers have brought together some of the most important themes and voices which these rapidly growing, diverse citizens' movements have expressed at the World Social Forum which gathers each year in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Customer Reviews:

A resource for movement Activists.......2003-07-22

This book extracts meaning from the chaos of tens of thousands of activists networking, planning, and uniting in Porto Alegre. Anyone who attended the World Social Forum or wishes she had attended will learn from this book why the Forum is so significant and why the Forum keeps growing and regenerating itself. The clearly presented themes help make sense of the Forumýwhat was said in Porto Alegre, why it matters to the world, and where we (social movements) may be heading.

I particularly liked the paper written by the World March of Women, in the subsection on Violence. The authors challenge the reader to see the culture of violence enforcing corporate globalization as a systemic extension of the ýoriginal form of violenceý: violence against women. Violence is experienced by women in all parts of the world: ýParadoxically, whatever the circumstances or forms of violence we women have suffered, we feel ashamed and guiltyý this is true in every part of the world ý South and North, East and Westý (p. 225). The authors remind the reader that the alternative, anti-capitalist globalization movement is nothing if it does not include womenýs needs. The same, of course, could be said about the needs and visions of peasants, people of color, lesbian/gay/transgender, or any other marginalized peoples; if our collective movement does not include these needs, the movement means nothing. The challenge presented in this book is how do we create an effective, collective movement with these diverse strands of experiences?

This book is unique because it draws on documents from not just prominent activist individuals, but also from movements, networks, coalitions, and organizations. People and groups such as National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights, India, the World March of Women, Oxfam UK, and the Economic Solidarity Group of Quebec present their collective documents alongside movement intellectuals like Vandana Shiva and
Walden Bello. The book is clearly post-capitalist, pro-movement and valuable reading for activists and academics alike.

A Great Reference Guide for the World Social Forum.......2003-06-03

With the current war on terrorism underway here is a book that gives a venue to voices that are often silenced and ignored. Each year in Porto Alegre, Brazil, thousands of activists meet at the World Social Forum to exchange information, discuss challenges and plan social action to combat the neoliberal excrescences of globalisation (globo-colonisation). The book is essentially a compilation of the documents that emerged from the Forum in 2002 and as Fisher and Ponniah contend, it offers both a `snapshot' of the left's perception of world affairs in 2002 and a deeper dialogue that lends a practical face to the desired alternatives to globalisation.

A key theme throughout is the collective call for `the reinvention of democracy,' something that Fisher and Ponniah see as,
The reinvention of society such that the mode of economic production, the structures of political governance, the dissemination of scientific innovation, the organization of the media, social relations and the relationships between society and nature, are subjected to a radical, participatory and living democratic process (p 13).
This reinvention manifests itself in grassroots, bottom-up participation on an international scale both North and South and across lines of gender, sexual orientation, culture, and so on.

There is an impressive number of contributors and while they possess a shared general rejection of neoliberal economic policies they are also diverse in their responses towards combating the aggressive nature of globalisation. From radicalists to reformers, there are those who would abolish the multilateral lending institutions and there are those who would instead push for strong reforms within the existing international system. The diverse backgrounds of the contributors result in some documents offering vague or general ideas while others offer detailed assessments and specific proposals. The central thesis is that neoliberal globalisation only serves to perpetuate and strengthen inequalities.

The book's four parts demonstrate the panorama of interests as held by the tens of thousands of World Social Forum participants. The general thrust of the book is apparent from the beginning with the declaration that "the market needs to be regulated and guided by the democratic control of the public" (p. 28). And this control is to be achieved by pursuing `new forms of participatory democracy,' `a new internationalism,' `a reconstitution the left,' and `the struggle against war.' From there, the book concentrates on ways and means of pursuing this desire, and in an interesting way it exposes the diversity in opinion within the left.

Such diversity is especially obvious when discussing issues of debt, trade, financial capital, transnational corporations, labour and solidarity economy. Some contributors call for a coordinated economic policy, functioning at the global level and with a central bank. Moreover, it is suggested that the US, Europe and Japan could perform this function as their responsibility to undertake this task results from their having "pressured the world into a system of brutal competition" (p. 89). Others support the idea of anti or deglobalisation, replacing imports with local production.

The second part disputes the capitalist held position that globalisation, with its `free' and `open' markets, is the natural alternative to communist regimes. Presented here are compelling arguments concerning the incompatibility between neoliberal policies and nature's renewability and non-sustainability and bankruptcy of the ruling world order. Not surprisingly, there is harsh criticism of the World Trade Organisation's Trade-Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs), with Oxfam UK drawing attention to the irony that, "all these rules will affect the lives of billions of people, yet until recently they have been introduced with minimal public debate" (p. 137). The documents in this part not only stress the impact and problems of TRIPs but also give detailed campaign strategies for combating negative affects.

Later parts expose issues such as the challenge of ensuring `the right to information' when confronted by the reality of international media monopolies, this in addition to covering a range of fascinating topics from the `hidden apartheid' of discrimination, migratory issues, expanding international sex industry, absence of global legal infrastructure for human rights, and the idea of a World Parliament. Near the end of the book James Petras gives a military definition of the current situation, underlining the thinking of many of the book's contributors. "In reality we are facing a situation of permanent warfare...We on the left have the capacity to intervene in the economic crisis if we make clear proposals" (pp. 299-300).

In summary, the book demonstrates the overarching shared ideologies of the contributors. This does not diminish the book's richness or utility, rather it brings together an invaluable collection of the left's perceptions and thinking with respect to offering alternatives to neoliberal globalisation. There is important reading for all those concerned with constructing economic models that serve society rather than vice versa. An editorial conclusion would make a welcome addition to future editions of this book. This edited volume provides a useful reference for those interested in the movement for global justice and solidarity.

Alexander I Gray, PhD
Marie Curie Researcher
Universidad de Deusto, Spain

Average customer rating:
Another World Is Possible: Popular Alternatives to Globalization at the World Social Forum.(Book Review): An article from: Journal of Contemporary Asia
Herb Thompson
Manufacturer: Journal of Contemporary Asia Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0009GM01C
Release Date: 2005-08-01

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Journal of Contemporary Asia, published by Journal of Contemporary Asia Publishers on October 1, 2004. The length of the article is 943 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Another World Is Possible: Popular Alternatives to Globalization at the World Social Forum.(Book Review)
Author: Herb Thompson
Publication: Journal of Contemporary Asia (Refereed)
Date: October 1, 2004
Publisher: Journal of Contemporary Asia Publishers
Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Page: 559(2)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Average customer rating:

An inspiring companion to Gil Amelio's ''Profit from Experience: The National Semiconductor Story of Transformation Management'

Very Engaging

An Inspirational Guide

A guide for our Team Leader/Managers

Pathways to Performance: A Guide to Transforming Yourself, Your Team, and Your Organization
Jim Clemmer
Manufacturer: Prima Lifestyles
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Organizational Change | Organizational Behavior | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Reference | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0761500219
Release Date: 1995-04-12

Book Description

This book is loaded with hundreds of practical how-to's (Pathways and Pitfalls) in parallel paths—strategies for team or organization improvement and complementary techniques for personal transformation.

About the Author

Jim Clemmer is the president of The Clemmer Group, Inc., a firm that provides strategic consulting and executive development.

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An inspiring companion to Gil Amelio's ''Profit from Experience: The National Semiconductor Story of Transformation Management'.......2006-10-17

I highly recommend this wonderful book as an inspiring companion to Gil Amelio's 'Proft for Experience: The National Semi-Conductor Story of Transformation Management', which I have reviewed earlier. Both books were published around the mid-nineties, but the relevancy & practicality of their lessons & insights have not faded.

It draws its intellectual cues from three principal strands of high performance: organisational, leadership & personal effectiveness. In some way, it builds on the author's two earlier books, 'The VIP Strategy: Leadership Skills for Exceptional Performance' & 'Firing on All Six Cylinders'. I have read the latter book, which has a primary focus on service/quality improvement.

What I like about this book is the author's introductory premise: Before you try to change anyone else, you have got to change yourself. Self-leadership is at the heart of effectively leading others. Self-improvement is the beginning point to team or organisational improvement. The author is also candid about his book: Many of the principles & insights are not new. In fact, they have been with us for decades, if not centuries. But we continually need to rediscover them for ourselves; repackage them for our times; & to make them relevant for today. The author is obviously driven by what works. He argues that, when dealing with personal & people issues, the fundamentals of what works have remained fairly constant through the years.

Additionally, I also like the presentation format of the book: each chapter starts with a 'Pathways' section, covering success strategies that really work, but also ends with a 'Pitfalls' section, where the author visits several Do's and Don't's for the individual as well as for the organization.

For readers who are seeking more real-world perspectives in initiating & guide change & improvement in a team, business or organizational setting, this book is definitely worth pursuing.

I have enjoyed reading this book, together with Gil Amelio's book, & I am confident readers will feel likewise!

Very Engaging.......1999-10-15

I really enjoyed this book. It helped put leadership into perspective -- the fact that in order to change or influence an organization, I need to change myself. I appreciated Clemmer's ideas around working at becoming a better leader ("leaders are made, not born"), and the importance of continued, continuous learning. It is an easy read, with humor, lots of quotations, examples, and simple suggestions to begin *being* a better leader in all aspects of your life. It has made me stop, reflect, and write notes about what I am going to do to incorporate some of these ideas into my life. The idea of "victimitis" and recognizing the "Catch 22" of the poor-me syndrome was particularly pertinent. This book covers the entire spectrum of home life and career, which is why I find it so helpful -- many management books don't concentrate enough on the improving all aspects of life. It especially hits home the need for the leader to establish his/her own personal values and direction and to lead by example. I've purchased copies for people close to me that I'm sure will find value in this book.

An Inspirational Guide.......1999-10-15

In "Pathways to Performance," Jim Clemmer provides readers with an inspirational guide that will help anyone improve leadership abilities. It is clear that by following these pathways, great personal benefits will follow. And, of course, I loved the humor!

A guide for our Team Leader/Managers.......1999-10-15

"Pathways to Performance" provides a valued sense of direction and reference for those struggling to behave differently and lead more effectively. Jim pulls together the many facets of leadership and management and shows how they fit to make the whole. It will become a guide for all our Team Leader/Managers.

Pathways to Performance : A Guide to Transforming Yourself, Your Team and Your Organization

Average customer rating:

Pathways to Performance : A Guide to Transforming Yourself, Your Team and Your Organization
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Book Description

This comprehensive review includes much recent research material and is the only book exclusively devoted to the minke whale species.The scope of this book focuses on three main topics. The first emphasis is on the population biology of the minke whale. Then, it documents the historical and current exploitation by man. Finally, it evaluates the current size, status, and management of the many worldwide stocks of minke whales. It also includes a description of the birth and death processes that determine how and why the minke whale population varies from time to time. This is an excellent source for specialists in the fields of cetacean biology, population biology, and management of natural resources. Presented in an interesting manner, this work is also appreciated by students and technically interested lay-readers.

Customer Reviews:

Minke whales.......2001-05-31

Joe Horwood does an excellent job of compiling a large amount of information on minke whales and presenting it in a very readable fashion. The result is an excellent reference book for biologists interested in what is known (up until 1990) about what is currently the most heavily hunted whale.

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Details 40 sea kayaking tours along the coast and in the inland waterways of North Carolina. Mile-by-mile descriptions, maps, trip ratings, and much more.

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Guide to Sea Kayaking in North Carolina.......2003-09-10

A wonderful timesaver for the kayaker on the Outer Banks. This well organized guide provides concise information of all the day trips in the area including launch directions. I've been on 6 of her trips already and find the information to be accurate and informative. I'd have to spend significant time gathering all this information from the locals myself. A must have book!

Fantastic book! Perfect for OBX Paddlers!.......2003-05-09

I have been going to the Outer Banks for over 20 years now but am new to kayaking. I was looking for a book about kayaking trips all along the Outer Banks. I found this one and bought it. I read through it and now I have a second copy of it so I can pull the maps out to take on my trips without destroying the original.

Pam Malec knows the area really well and has plotted some excellent trips to take. She also gives some great advice on things to watch out for (bugs in Ocracoke, tidal influences, high boat traffic areas, etc) and places to stay and eat in the area of the trips. The book also gives a few history lessons on the area and other interesting facts (Ever wonder about the origin of the marshmellow? Get this book and find out!)

With her book, I have planned three different trips for my next vacation to the area.

This is a fantastic book and I highly recommend it for anyone planning to kayak along the North Carolina coast.

An Excellent Regional Paddling Guidebook.......2001-04-23

If you are a coastal paddler who plans to visit the area near the Outer Banks of North Carolina, you will not want to be without this guide.

Pam Malec has compiled an excellent trip planning guide with over 30 day trip paddle plans. Each listing has a general map of the route and describes the required skill level for the trip, wildlife & landmarks of the area, launching and landing sites, safety issues, navigational aids, and camping, lodging & restaurant options. Each trip description also includes a page of local lore (including one about an attack swan!) which really adds to the depth of the guide and to each individual trip.

A chapter on the best kayak surfing spots in the area, safety and surf etiquette and appendices listing local events & paddling clubs, recommended reading, paddlesport rental/ instruction/outfitters, National & State Parks, reserves and refuges really make this an excellent and comprehensive regional paddling guide.

Book Description

An invaluable guide to help your nonprofit or charitable organization reach 135 million potential donors

Fundraising with eBay offers proven strategies for raising money, converting in-kind gifts to cash, and increasing awareness for charitable causes.

Customer Reviews:

The best investment you could make for your charity or nonprofit..........2006-02-26

I don't think I ever considered eBay a source of income for fundraising. But Greg Holden and Jill Finlayson convinced me otherwise in the book Fundraising on eBay. A valuable book that should be a "must read" for nonprofits...

Contents:
Part 1 - Mastering the eBay Marketplace - Opportunities for Nonprofits: Why eBay? A Guide for Nonprofits; eBay Fundraising Success Stories; Planning Your eBay Fundraising Event
Part 2 - Selling Donated Items: Deciding What to Sell; Deciding How to Raise Funds with eBay; Building Your Credibility - and Your Donor Base; Listing Your Items for Sale on eBay; Managing Your Auctions and Building Good Donor Relations; Advanced Selling - Using All of eBay's Sales Options
Part 3 - Leveraging eBay for the Biggest Bang: Making Your Charitable Auction a Major Event; Partnerships - Good for Bidders, Good for Partners, Great for Nonprofits; Marketing to Make the Most of Your Event; Glossary; Index

I've always mentally framed eBay as a way to sell some of your own stuff or for a business to market direct to the consumer. I wasn't even that surprised when cities and governments started using eBay to unload surplus equipment. But I never really thought about how the use of eBay could be leveraged by a nonprofit or charity to raise funds and expand the donor base. Holden and Finlayson make a strong case for using eBay to generate money for your nonprofit, and they cover all the eBay features specifically designed to assist you in this. I've probably seen those features before, but I guess I just ignored them. They also cover the traditional information on how to get set up as an eBay seller, how to price your items, etc. So even if you've never touched eBay before, you can confidently venture forth with this book and get started with little effort. All those books on how to become an eBay power seller can then be used to fine-tune your selling techniques. The abundance of real-life case studies help the reader to see that this really *can* work and has been used successfully by thousands of other groups.

Definitely a unique book in the growing collection of eBay titles, and one that could be the best investment you ever made in your cause...

Using e-Bay in a Slightly Different Way.......2006-01-13

The web is really just as a communications medium. But what a medium it is. e-Bay set up all kinds of new records as a way to get money out of the used stuff stored in your back room. In doing so, it has become a phenomonen of its own. One of the many unexpected side effects of e-Bay has been the development of on-line fund raising. Instead of working with the relatively few people in your home town or local community, e-Bay reaches some 160 million people.

The authors of this book are: ==1 -- a power seller on e-Bay, a consumate master at using e-Bay to sell all kinds of products, and

2 -- an ex-e-Bay executive who specialised in setting up new marketing areas.

The concept of raising money on e-Bay is not too different that becoming a e-Bay marketeer. However the wording that you would use in the offering, the ways you would get items to sell, and particularly the impact of having a famous name to assist make fundraising subtly different than what you would normally do. This book then is like a normal book on selling on e-Bay, but 'subtly different.'

The stories of successful campaigns, illustraing what other people have done make the book worth its cost.

Excellent Hands On Guide.......2005-12-16

Carefully researched and includes lots of information first-hand from successful sellers and nonprofits. It has a great visual layout too. Lots of illustrations and navigational aids, like Tips, Must Haves, Warnings, etc. It is an invaluable resource to get up & running on eBay in the most effective way.

A Great Book for Anyone Who is Raising Money.......2005-11-09

I purchased this book for our church group and we are quickly putting it to use. The book is very informative and demystified online fundraising. It is easy to read and follow, with great insight and simple advice. About 20 of us are going to run a holiday fundraiser on eBay using this book as our guide. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about fundraising.

Average customer rating:

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Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

eBay | Business & Culture | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books
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Book Description

"Historical Scripts," second revised edition, is an excellent survey of bookhands with its full-page, enlarged illustrations and solidly researched sources. It is a useful text for studying the history of manuscripts as well as the details of letter construction.

This work also helps one make judgments about the technical condition of letter writing and its qualities of rhythm and movement, possible only when consulting an original manuscript. The author has obtained photographs that reveal the tactile qualities of surfaces, ink tone, and flow. The author has chosen examples of formal writing that show a coherent and reasonably consistent relationship between methods of tool use and letter formation.

Customer Reviews:

Astonishing quality reproductions.......2006-08-02

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Classical letters (Greek and Roman inscriptions);
Majuscule Scripts (Rustic Capitals, Square Capitals, Greek Uncials, Latin Uncials);
Emergence of the Minuscule (Roman Half-Uncials, Insular Half-Uncials, Caroline Minuscules [Continental style Caroline], English Caroline Minuscules, Compressed Caroline Minuscules, Italian Caroline Minuscules);
Gothic Scripts (Protogothic, Gothic Quadrata, Gothic Prescissus [Praescissa, sine pedibus], Gothic Textura, Gothic Batarde);
Capital Development (Caroline Capitals, English Capitals, Early Gothic Capitals, Gothic Capitals);
Humanist Scripts (Gothic Rotunda, Humanist Square Capitals, Humanist Italic Corsiva [bookhand and documentary hooked-ascender Cancellaresca], Humanist Italic Formata, Humanist Cursive).
A glossary, a select bibliography, and indices (of names and of manuscripts) are included. Some of the works mentioned in the text are absent in the bibliography (e.g., Jean Mallon's Paleographie Romaine, Madrid: Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 1952).
Attention is given to monumental epigraphy in the first plates.
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There are no instructions on ductus, as previous knowledge of it is already assumed.

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