STWR - Share The World's Resources

Recession, unemployment and foreclosures represent only the surface level of a deepening global financial crisis. Now, the rise of ethnic strife and civil unrest could characterise a year of social conflict in 2009, says Michael T. Klare. 

As the ninth World Social Forum (WSF) came to a close last week in the Amazon basin, the simultaneous meeting of select business leaders and policymakers at the exclusive ski-resort of Davos, Switzerland, provided a sharp contrast between a spirit of vibrant public engagement and the mood of depression at the World Economic Forum.

The rapid spread of communication networks across the developing world, coupled with highly visible global inequality and economic downturn may foment 'a potential revolution of frustrated expectations' in 2009, argues Paul Rogers. 

The "alter-globalisation" movement gathers in Brazil at a moment of crisis in the system it has long opposed. But its triumph is qualified as it searches for a way to turn global breakdown into political opportunity, says Geoffrey Pleyers.

As the World Social Forum meets this week in the northern Brazilian Amazon jungle city of Belem, four analysts give their views on alternative solutions for the global crisis of capitalism now under way, the future of the WSF, and the need to 'propose' not just 'oppose'. Interviews by the Inter Press Service.

The multi-trillion dollar rescues and bail-outs so far just attempt to save the status quo. But what can we do if the status quo can’t be saved? Can globalization from below provide an alternative solution to the great recession? In fact, it has already started to do so. Report by Global Labor Strategies.

The evolution of the internet to embrace interactive platforms has led to an increase in 'second generation' social movements. But what are social movements 2.0? And can the internet help concerned global citizens to mobilise for collective action in the political arena? By Brendan Smith et al.