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Phase One: Immediate Mobilization by Adam Starr 14 March 2002 23:41 UTC |
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Hello WSN World, As pointed out in my last major entry, "Remebering Wallerstein's Remedies", Wallerstein himself called for changing of the capitalist world-system. I don't think that there many of us that would argue against this. However the question remains, how to go about this? AGF himself suggests in, "The Underdevelopment of Development" suggests that all current remedies for development programs (whether being left, center, or right) are inaplicable and a new development project must emerge. I suggest that may apply to more than just development. Wallerstein has suggested a three phase stages, the first of which calls for immediate mobilization (as discussed in the above entry). Based upon AGF's concerns as well as historical analysis of socialist revolution over the past century. We have witnessed purges, genocide, centralization of power, IMF/WB style economic policies within supposed communist countries, and reduction of human rights. Thus, there is concern for implementation of immediate mobilization designed to stress the current world system that would not be repeat of past atrocities. Apparently people are not altruistic by merrit of being oppressed. I would also like to include (to a lesser extent) "activist demonstrations" in this category which seems to be our modern western equivalent of peasant revolution. Although symbolic, very little policy change results from demonstrations like that in Seattle. Therefor this human energy and resourcefullness needs to be directed in a more efficient manner. Hmmm. Charles J. Reid has suggested the need to analyze the current legal system and how it sustain inequalities leading to the rise of desperation which in turn has created the 'current' world crisis. I assume he is referring to the American legal system (we must remember that there are many legal systems). He suggested that Supreme Court decisions defending the 'Defence Appropriation Bill" and cutting of Corporation taxes have led to the conclusion that economics are controlling politics and taking justice away from the people. In turn, agencies such health-care and the media are directly affected. Dennis L. Blewitt asked the question, "when did a third branch of governement become a system?" He suggested that the Judiciary has become closed system in which power has been transferred to public officials such as prosecutors and administrators that administers the destruction of the social contract in favour of a written code established by corporations. Let us work with this. If Charles is right in his speculation that the legal system is indeed a point of focus in that economics are controlling politics. Combine this with the question raised by Dennis and his comments concerning the transfer of power to public officials, in which I would to include the US senate and unofficially the Lobbiests they colude with, there is a sound platform to work upon for mobilization strategies. I would like to add a third contribution (although not originally intended for this discussion) from AGF. In "The Underdevelopment of Development", he appears concerned with the analysis of relations of three conceptual actors: the international political economy, world system history, and social movements. I propose then that the legal system that should be analyzed is not at the state level, but at the international level. Domestic policies are increasingly being dictated from the international arena. The legalities of international trade through the WTO, lending practices of the IMF and WB, international tribunals such what Mr. Molosevic is experiencing, etc. should be the units of analysis. However, the American legal system is vital to this as well considering where the emphasis for neo-liberalism comes from. Remember though, think global now and act local later. Based on AGF's analysis of relations, let us consider: International Law as it applies to the International Political Economy. How can mobilization occur at this level through a world-system paradigm? Assignment: Brainstorm units of analysis within International Law for further discussion. Come up with a list of relevant actors. Adam ===== Adam T. Starr Undergraduate of Political Science, UVic 3009 Quadra Street, Victoria, British Columbia V8T 4G2 Canada (011) (250) 472-1223 adam@hornbyisland.com or reunitedhornby@yahoo.com __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! Sports - live college hoops coverage http://sports.yahoo.com/
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