The anti-globalization movement is not simply a reaction against
globalization but a proactive movement for global democracy and
justice. It seeks to create a more equitable and sustainable world.
The movement targets neoliberal globalization, a model based on
unfettered markets and free trade, which critics argue has led to
economic inequality and environmental degradation.
The anti-globalization movement is a diverse and
pluralistic movement, encompassing a range of
perspectives and concerns. It is often referred to as the
global justice movement or the alter- globalization
movement.
What Is Anti-Globalization?
When Did Anti-Globalization Begin?
The Battle of
Seattle (1999)
The "Battle of Seattle" in 1999
is widely considered the
unofficial start of the anti-
globalization movement.
Protests against the World
Trade Organization (WTO)
shut down the city,
highlighting concerns about
the organization's impact on
labor, environmental, and
human rights standards.
J18
(1999)
One of the first international
anti- globalization protests,
organized in dozens of cities
around the world on June 18,
1999, coincided with the G8
Summit in Cologne, Germany.
This event, known as the
Carnival against Capital or J18,
further galvanized the
movement.
Early
Protests
Protests against the WTO
and other global institutions
continued to grow in the
years following the Battle of
Seattle, demonstrating the
increasing momentum of the
anti- globalization
movement.
Causes of Anti-
Globalization Movement
Corporatist Agenda
Many anti-globalization activists see globalization as promoting a
corporatist agenda that restricts individual freedom in the pursuit
of profit.
Unequal Globalization
Critics argue that globalization has led to the globalization of
money and companies but not of people and labor unions,
exacerbating inequality and exploitation.
Undermining Local Decision-Making
Anti-globalization activists believe that international
agreements and institutions like the IMF and WTO
undermine local decision- making and autonomy.
Addressing Disadvantages
The movement aims to address the negative consequences of
globalization, such as exploitation of developing countries,
environmental harm, and increasing global inequality.
PROS AND CONS OF GLOBALIZATION
PROS CONS
Globalization broadens access to goods and
services
Workers can lose jobs to countries with low-cost
labor
Globalization can lift people out of poverty Globalization hasn't protected labor, environmental or
human rights
Globalization increases cultural awareness Globalization empowers multinational corporations
Information and technology spread more easily with
globalization
Gap between rich and poor
Criticisms
Disorganization
Critics argue that the anti-
globalization movement lacks
coherent goals and suffers
from conflicting views among
different groups of protestors.
Lack of Solutions
Critics point to the movement's
lack of detailed solutions and
effective action implementation,
questioning its ability to bring
about meaningful change.
Violence and Misuse
of Force
Critics highlight instances of
violence and terrorism
associated with the movement,
as well as the misuse of police
force and the resulting
casualties.
Capitalism
Private Ownership
Capitalism is an economic system where private entities own and
control the means of production, aiming to generate profit.
Free Markets
Capitalism relies on free markets where supply and demand determine
prices, theoretically leading to efficient resource allocation.
Economic Growth
Capitalism is often associated with economic growth, technological
innovation, and increased productivity, leading to a wider availability of
consumer goods.
Criticisms
Despite its benefits, capitalism faces criticism for its potential to create
inequality, environmental damage, and exploitative labor practices.
Why Do People Oppose
Capitalism?
Grounds for Opposing
Capitalism
Explanation
Environmental Harm Capitalism's focus on profit
can lead to environmental
degradation and
unsustainable practices.
Ignoring Social Needs Critics argue that capitalism
prioritizes profit over social
needs, neglecting issues like
healthcare and education.
Wealth Inequality Capitalism can exacerbate
wealth inequality,
concentrating wealth in the
hands of a few while leaving
many in poverty.
Ineffectiveness and Instability Critics argue that capitalism
is prone to economic crises
and instability, leading to
cycles of boom and bust.
Unequal Opportunity Capitalism can perpetuate
inequality by limiting
opportunities for those without
access to resources or
capital.
Why Does It Make Sense To Be
Anti-Capitalist?
Moral Justness
Anti-capitalists argue that their stance is morally just, seeking to
address the injustices and harms inherent in the capitalist
system.
Lack of Success
They contend that capitalism has failed to improve the lives of
many people, particularly those at the bottom of the economic
ladder.
Seeking Alternatives
Anti-capitalists believe that a fundamental shift away from
capitalism is necessary to create a more equitable and
sustainable future.
Origin of Anti-Globalization in
Asia
Critique of Globalization Practices
The anti-globalization movement in Asia does not oppose
globalization itself but criticizes the way it has been
implemented, leading to unfair and detrimental conditions
in many nations.
Corporate Power and Exploitation
Activists argue that multinational corporations have
gained excessive power and wealth at the expense of
developing nations, exploiting low-wage workers and
contributing to poverty.
Job Displacement
Globalization has led to job displacement in
industrialized countries as corporations seek cheaper
labor in developing nations, exacerbating
unemployment and economic hardship.
Southeast Asian Movements against Globalization
Philippines
The National Democratic
Front of the Philippines
(NDFP) has been a
prominent force in the
anti-globalization
movement, advocating
for social justice and
economic equality.
Japan
While the anti-
globalization movement
in Japan is less
prominent than in other
Southeast Asian
countries, groups like
ATTAC have emerged to
raise awareness about
the issues.
Malaysia
The Malaysian anti-
globalization movement is
divided into two factions,
one focusing on
globalization itself and the
other advocating for a
combined pro-democracy
and anti-globalization
approach.
Indonesia
The anti-globalization
movement in Indonesia
faces challenges due to
political instability and the
influence of international
institutions like the World
Bank and IMF.