What is alter globalization

 Alter-globalization, often referred to as "alternative globalization" or "globalization from below," is a multifaceted social movement and a political ideology that fundamentally challenges the dominant, neoliberal form of globalization. Rather than outright rejecting all forms of global integration, alter-globalization advocates for a different kind of globalization—one that prioritizes human rights, social justice, environmental sustainability, economic equality, and democratic participation over corporate profits and unchecked market forces. It emerged as a critical response to what its proponents see as the negative consequences of neoliberal globalization, which they argue has led to increasing inequality, environmental degradation, erosion of national sovereignty, and the prioritization of corporate interests over public welfare.

The roots of alter-globalization can be traced back to the protests against the Bretton Woods institutions (International Monetary Fund and World Bank) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) in the 1990s, with the "Battle of Seattle" in 1999 often cited as a pivotal moment. This period saw a proliferation of local and national protests against neoliberal policies, bringing together a diverse array of activists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), labor unions, environmental groups, indigenous communities, and intellectual networks. These groups, while diverse in their specific focuses, shared a common critique of a globalization that seemed to exacerbate existing inequalities and undermine democratic control. They denounced the growing influence of multinational corporations and the burden of third-world debt, actively promoting alternatives such as fair trade, debt cancellation, and the protection of workers' rights and the environment.

Key principles underpinning alter-globalization include a commitment to global solidarity and distributive justice. It seeks to reorient global interactions towards more altruistic goals, moving beyond a narrow focus on corporate profits. Proponents believe that interdependence can and should be used to universalize human rights, increase economic equality, and foster greater cooperation to address shared global challenges like climate change and poverty. Instead of top-down approaches dictated by international financial institutions and powerful corporations, alter-globalization emphasizes grassroots activism, local solutions, and community empowerment. This involves advocating for policies that promote fair trade, environmental sustainability, and strong labor protections, standing in stark contrast to the deregulation and privatization often championed by neoliberal policies.

The movement is characterized by its decentralized and undogmatic nature, uniting a plurality of actors through a common mobilization against the intensified global problems generated by neoliberal policies. While some might mistakenly conflate it with "anti-globalization," alter-globalization explicitly supports a different, more just, and equitable form of globalization. It is not about stopping global interaction but rather about transforming its direction and perceived negative economic, political, social, cultural, and ecological consequences. For instance, alter-globalization activists have promoted alternative water governance models through North-South alliances between organized labor, environmental groups, women's groups, and indigenous groups, particularly in response to the privatization of global water supplies.

The impact of the alter-globalization movement has been significant, even if its successes are not always immediately visible. It has challenged the dominant paradigm of neoliberal globalization, forcing international organizations and national governments to at least acknowledge, if not fully address, concerns related to social justice, environmental protection, and human rights. It has fostered greater transparency and accountability within international institutions and has amplified the voices of marginalized communities globally. Through forums like the World Social Forum, it has created spaces for diverse movements to converge, share strategies, and build solidarity, demonstrating the possibility of "another world" being possible.

However, the movement also faces critiques and challenges. Its broad and decentralized nature can sometimes lead to a lack of coherent strategy or difficulty in achieving unified policy outcomes. There are also internal tensions and debates regarding the most effective tactics and the ultimate goals of the movement. Some critics argue that despite its efforts, the core structures of neoliberal globalization remain largely intact. Nevertheless, alter-globalization continues to represent a vital counter-hegemonic force, offering a vision of a more just, sustainable, and democratically governed global order, and pushing for a future where globalization serves humanity rather than just the powerful few.