Global Activist's Manual

The Global Activists' Manual is a guide to transforming the corporate globalization movement. Two dozen authors look beyond the spectacular shutdowns and protests to introduce the reader to farmers in Iowa, industrial workers in Tennessee, and antisweatshop activists in Maine who connect global injustices to the issues in their own front yards. The authors range from movement "stars" to unsung heroes challenging the world's largest corporations. Since the Seattle protests, the globalization movement has been "localizing" its work. Global and local activists have joined forces to protest the prison-industrial complex, corporate campaign financing, and clear-cut logging. Whether the cause is antiracism, the environment, genetic engineering, human rights, immigration, labor solidarity, or reproductive rights, strategies are outlined to make a difference and change an attitude. "Localizing globalization" in this way presents its own challenges, however, and the book takes them up. After framing articles to set a context, case studies describe how activists across the country are meeting each challenge according to their local realities. Protest photos, cartoons, and outrageous quotes by world economic leaders provide an ironic running commentary to the text.

The Global Activists’ Manual is a guide to transforming the corporate globalization movement. Two dozen authors look beyond the spectacular shutdowns and protests to introduce the reader to farmers in Iowa, industrial workers in Tennessee, and antisweatshop activists in Maine who connect global injustices to the issues in their own front yards. The authors range from movement “stars” to unsung heroes challenging the world’s largest corporations. Since the Seattle protests, the globalization movement has been “localizing” its work. Global and local activists have joined forces to protest the prison-industrial complex, corporate campaign financing, and clear-cut logging. Whether the cause is antiracism, the environment, genetic engineering, human rights, immigration, labor solidarity, or reproductive rights, strategies are outlined to make a difference and change an attitude. “Localizing globalization” in this way presents its own challenges, however, and the book takes them up. After framing articles to set a context, case studies describe how activists across the country are meeting each challenge according to their local realities. Protest photos, cartoons, and outrageous quotes by world economic leaders provide an ironic running commentary to the text.

Library Journal

The 1999 protests of the World Trade Organization in Seattle brought the many-faceted progressive movement back into the public eye. This handbook, compiled by experienced activists Prokosch and Raymond, intends to give individuals wanting to organize for political action inspiration plus practical advice. The bulk of the book presents case studies on successful and unsuccessful protests and political action in areas such as cross-border coalition building, challenging white supremacy and globalization, taking on corporations, and mobilizing consumers. This section's 45 chapters are written by men and women currently active in the protest movement. The remainder of the book provides nuts-and-bolts advice on organizing individuals, publicity, Internet use, and facing opposition. A resource directory and glossary complete the book. This well-organized work would be useful for anyone involved in direct political action and is recommended for all libraries. Stephen L. Hupp, West Virginia Univ. Lib., Parkersburg Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.