Opposition Groups
Formal groups opposed to globalisation are both widespread and diverse. They include:
- Labour groups who see the improved conditions of their members being eroded,
- Citizens of nations, such as Argentina, which have suffered extreme inflation. 20% of the population have ceased using the currency and have returned to barter based trade.
- Left wing political groups, who believe that the emerging capitalist elite enforce an undemocratic agenda, and who mount global protests against free trade meetings attract considerable media attention, but have been ineffective in altering the outcomes of these talks.
- Non-government special interest groups representing the endangered species, environment, heritage, human rights, Indigenous communities, refugees and other marginalised groups, and promoting sustainable development.
- Manufacturer's groups, representing industrial sectors threatened by tariff changes.
- Farmer's unions, concerned by the declining profitability of the agriculture sector, and the inadequate resources being given to address climate change and salinity.
- Rural community groups concerned about urban migration, and the decline in the agricultural sector, which underpins their communities.
- Ecologists, who are aware of the potential of climatic change, to decimate already, threatened species, and the impacts of non-sustainable forms of development. They have noted that the economic growth in Asia, since the 1980's produced alarming increases in deforestation, acid rain and elevated greenhouse emissions.
- The residents of low-lying nations , including Tuvalu, Kiribati and the Maldives. These nations expect to be submerged by rising sea level within 20 years, but have generated only minor greenhouse emissions, and have received few benefits from the economic activity causing their problem. Australia has already refused refugee status or migration assistance, despite their dreadful situation.
- The academic community , particularly those concerned with social justice, equity and geo-politics.
- Welfare groups representing those who are disadvantaged and excluded from the dominant workforce.
- Scientists concerned with the epidemiology of infectious diseases .
- Politicians, who are aware that they are increasingly, restricted from the control of the major decisions for their constituency.
- There are now numerous conferences and Globalisation reform organisations , representing a wide range of these interests.
However it is likely that the most effective methods for reforming the impacts of globalisation will operate within the established system.
One approach has been the evolution of 'ethical investment' groups. These groups allow shareholders to be informed about corporate business practices. Many shareholders have expressed opposition to exploitation and other issues, and are willing to move investment funds to demonstrate this. This access to information has permitted shareholders to send clear messages to their Board of Directors regarding unacceptable or irresponsible business management.
Many UN papers reflect the need for sustainable development. Considerable resources have been directed at finding ways for 3rd world countries to benefit from emerging technologies, without experiencing the environmental or social problems of the developed nations. These include globalised crime, including narcotic drugs trafficking. This is extremely difficult to achieve.
While leaders of 3rd world countries seek investment, development and debt relief from the International community, they are aware that they have not contributed significantly to the current environmental problems. There is a perception that they should be free from environmental restrictions, because they have yet to catch up to western standards of living. However as nations with the greatest populations of poor, they have the most to lose, if environmental predictions are even close to the genuine impact.
Many developed nations leaders are increasingly aware that such disparities in returns may result in political unrest. History has repeatedly demonstrated that the populations will eventually overthrow regimes, which exploit the majority for the benefit of an elite group.
Equally while dominant languages, and social change are hard to limit, it is critical that media demonstrate respect for other cultures and sensitivity to their mores, while acknowledging that the promotion of conspicuous consumption is unpalatable and inappropriate in many areas of the world. As the world shrinks through rapid communications, increased tolerance for the social difference is needed to avoid conflict.
Travel time reductions and improved accessibility and has increased the need to control pests and diseases. That may mean acknowledging that quarantine is a more effective than treating infected individuals. Western medical advances must be available to populations, which are at risk, eg the African nations and access to expensive HIV/AIDS drugs, if the developed world wishes to retain the respect of the international community.
Although there are new and less polluting ways of generating energy, particularly these are receiving little support.
At the World Economic Forum, President Clinton announced that he believes Globalization critics are right in many respects. He suggested 'Systematisation' of efforts to combat problems, such as the HIV/AIDS pandemic. While details are unclear, this implies ensuring that all required resources and infrastructure are made available, rather than adopting incomplete programs.
It is imperative that TNC's respond to International criticism in a positive way, such as adopting codes of practice in regards to issues of human rights, environmental responsibility, and ethical behaviour. Unless this happens it is likely that there will be changes to international law, limiting their actions and requiring accountability for consequences of their decisions.
As Freeland stated:
"We do not reject internationalisation of the economy. We do reject free market led and dominated globalisation. We do not reject participatory and democratic internationalisation, but reject anti-democratic and non-participatory internationalisation".
It seems that this period of increasing international inter-relations poses some significant challenges. It is unlikely that the solutions will be found simply by following models from the past. However it appears unlikely that the current models of globalisation, giving the free market unrestrained control, have the answers for all economies, nations and the environmental challenges confronting the globe.
It requires new international responses, which pro-actively engage with the concerns of all citizens for our common future. These solutions must recognise the importance of preserving the environment, which supports all life. Concurrently these measures should address issues of technology access, and supporting the developing nations as they seek ways of providing satisfying economic and social outcomes as determined by those communities, rather than imposes those of the dominant culture at the global scale. Solutions to some challenges may be found in traditional knowledge systems.