How Globalisation Fails Us

Summary

This video script explores radical resistance movements, focusing on the concept of 'radical third places'—physical spaces outside capitalism and state control where alternative social and political activities flourish. The script critiques the limits of past anti-globalization movements, emphasizing the need for prefigurative actions, joyful resistance, and international solidarity. It advocates for creating alternative local economies and reclaiming the commons, highlighting the importance of both confrontation and constructive action. Ultimately, the script calls for a transformative strategy that empowers people, fosters free association, and builds resilient communities outside capitalist frameworks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Radical third places, or social centres, are spaces where people can experiment with collective agency outside capitalist and state-imposed systems.
• 😀 These spaces are often repurposed buildings that serve as hubs for cultural, social, and political activities, fostering creativity and community building.
• 😀 The anti-globalisation movement succeeded in discrediting the unholy trinity of capitalism, the state, and multinational corporations, but failed to go beyond critique into radical transformation.
• 😀 There needs to be a balance between confrontation with authorities and acts of prefiguration, which focus on building alternative, sustainable futures.
• 😀 Social movements should not just resist, but also create new systems that prefigure a better world, such as local renewable energy, permaculture, and community-controlled economies.
• 😀 Resistance movements must embrace joy, creativity, and playfulness to sustain engagement and create a sense of possibility for a better world.
• 😀 The anti-roads movement in the UK and Reclaim the Streets exemplify how joyful, affirmative actions can challenge capitalism and its infrastructure while building relationships.
• 😀 Successful resistance strategies must include international solidarity, emphasizing ongoing dialogue and collaboration across cultures and regions, rather than blind loyalty.
• 😀 Building local, sustainable economies through local energy, food, and fashion production is crucial to resisting globalisation and shortening economic lines of dependency.
• 😀 To overcome global capitalism, movements must define themselves by what they fight for—people power, free association, and the return of the commons—not just by what they oppose.

Q & A

What are radical third places, and how do they function in the context of resistance?

Radical third places are spaces outside the digital, corporate, and state-controlled environments, where people can come together to experiment with collective agency and creative resistance. These places, such as social centres or repurposed abandoned buildings, offer physical environments for cultural, social, and political activities that challenge capitalist systems.

Why does the transcript refer to capitalism and state politics as the 'unholy trinity'?

The 'unholy trinity' refers to the combination of capitalism, state politics, and other structures of power that perpetuate exploitation and control. The term highlights the interconnected nature of these systems and their role in maintaining global inequalities.

What does the transcript suggest about the limitations of the anti-globalisation movement?

The transcript suggests that the anti-globalisation movement succeeded in discrediting key international financial institutions but failed to critique capitalism as a whole. The movement was also too focused on confrontations with authorities and not enough on creating alternative structures or addressing people's everyday needs.

How does Crimethinc’s Epilogue on the Movement Against Capitalist Globalisation critique the movement’s strategies?

Crimethinc’s Epilogue argues that while the anti-globalisation movement effectively discredited key capitalist institutions, it lacked a radical critique of capitalism itself. The movement's reliance on protest and confrontation without sufficient focus on prefiguration—creating alternative systems—led to its co-optation and stagnation.

What role does creativity and joy play in resistance movements according to the transcript?

Creativity and joy are seen as essential in resistance movements because they help foster a sense of community, solidarity, and sustained engagement. Movements like Reclaim the Streets combined direct action with playful, celebratory events, proving that resistance can be both effective and enjoyable, which helps sustain long-term commitment.

What does the transcript mean by 'prefiguration' and why is it important?

Prefiguration refers to the act of creating alternative social, political, and economic systems within the existing structure as a way to anticipate and build the future. It’s important because it not only resists the current system but also actively demonstrates the kind of world people want to create, providing a foundation for lasting change.

How can solidarity networks be more effective in resisting capitalist globalisation?

Solidarity networks can be more effective by ensuring they are based on ongoing dialogue, mutual respect, and the understanding of diverse local contexts. Effective solidarity goes beyond blind loyalty, engaging with the variety of perspectives within movements and fostering deeper, more meaningful connections across borders.

What does 'favouring the local' mean in the context of resisting globalisation?

Favouring the local refers to prioritizing local economies and self-sufficiency as a means to resist globalisation. This can include initiatives like local renewable energy, permaculture, slow fashion, and reintroducing the commons. It emphasizes shortening supply chains, empowering communities, and reducing reliance on global monocultures.

What is the significance of the example of Reclaim the Streets in the context of resistance?

Reclaim the Streets serves as an example of a movement that combined direct action with creativity and joy. Through street parties that challenged car culture and created alternative public spaces, RTS demonstrated that resistance could be both disruptive and community-building, creating lasting relationships and empowering participants.

What strategy does the transcript propose for overcoming the consequences of economic globalisation?

The transcript suggests that to overcome the consequences of economic globalisation, resistance must operate on multiple fronts. This includes direct action, prefiguration, and solidarity networks. The goal is to not only confront the systems of oppression but to actively build alternatives that reflect the values of freedom, cooperation, and the commons.