Arguments Against G8

"One of the most important books in recent years...This book draws together some of the most brilliant analysts in the world. I cannot recommend it highly enough." Robert W. McChesney, author, The Problem of the Media "The G8 runs what South African president Thabo Mbeki and others describe as 'global apartheid'...He -- and everyone else -- should read this superb book, and then help abolish, not polish, the chains of global apartheid." Trevor Ngwane, Organising Secretary of the Anti-Privatisation Forum, Johannesburg "This book reminds us brilliantly that, far from ending poverty, today's political elites are the chief creators of human want, war and ecological disaster. The collective voice of the different contributors cuts through the propaganda of the pro-globalisation elites...If you care about our future, read this book." John McAllion, Oxfam Scotland "A clear and precise analysis of how the G8 operate and the perverse logic by which they make wealth for the few at the expense of the many." Francisco Ramirez Cuellar, President of the State Mining Corporation Workers Union, Colombia What is the G8? Every year world leaders convene for their annual summit, accompanied by thousands of protestors and anti-globalization activists. In Genoa in 2001, street battles between police and demonstrators made world headlines, as one protestor was shot. This book is a one-stop guide for anyone who wants to know more about the G8, what it is, and why it's a problem. Leading writers and activists including Noam Chomsky, George Monbiot, Susan George, Mark Curtis and Caroline Lucas explain in brief, succinct chapters, what is wrong with the G8 neo-liberal agenda and propose alternatives. Chapters cover G8 attitudes to the key issues: war, corporate power, climate change, immigration, trade, debt, food. Ideal for anyone who is troubled by the current direction set by our world leaders, this book is also a great tool for activists. This is one of the most important books in recent years. Going directly to the heart of the major political economic crisis of our times -neoliberalism; the hegemony of concentrated wealth, profiteering and corporate power; and the attack on democratic institutions and values - this book draws together some of the most brilliant analysts in the world. I cannot recommend it highly enough. -- Robert W. McChesney, author, The Problem of the Media The G8 runs what South African president Thabo Mbeki and others describe as 'global apartheid'. ... He -and everyone else- should read this superb book, and then help abolish, not polish, the chains of global apartheid. -- Trevor Ngwane, Organising Secretary of the Anti-Privatisation Forum, Johannesburg This book reminds us brilliantly that, far from ending poverty, today's political elites are the chief creators of human want, war and ecological disaster. The collective voice of the different contributors cuts through the propaganda of the pro-globalisation elites. ... If you care about our future, read this book. -- John McAllion, Oxfam Scotland A clear and precise analysis of how the G8 operate and the perverse logic by which they make wealth for the few at the expense of the many. -- Francisco Ramirez Cuellar, President of the State Mining Corporation Workers Union, ColombiaIntroduction: Barbarism Inc. Gill Hubbard and David Miller Section One Concentrated Power Chapter 1 Globalization and war Noam Chomsky Chapter 2 Britain and the G8: a champion of the world's poor? Mark Curtis Chapter 3 Democracy Colin Leys Chapter 4 War Lindsey German Chapter 5 Corporate power Olivier Hoedeman Chapter 6 The Gang of 8: the good governance roadshow Emma Miller Section Two Issues 103 Chapter 7 Climate change George Monbiot Chapter 8 Trade Susan George Chapter 9 Food security Caroline Lucas and Michael Woodin Chapter 10 'War on terror' on racism, asylum and immigration Salma Yaqoob Chapter 11 Privatization and workers' rights: but neo-liberals are such nice people ... Bob Crow Chapter 12 Poverty Tommy Sheridan Chapter 13 Debt: the debt crisis and the campaign to end it Vicki Clayton Chapter 14 Health and HIV/AIDS: fine words and fatal indifference Ronald Labonte, Ted Schrecker and David McCoy Chapter 15 Genoa 2001: which side to be on? Haidi Giuliani Chapter 16 Where do we go from here? Sam Ashman Conclusion Naming the problem David Miller and Gill Hubbard