Unembedding Neoliberalism: Learning from Latin America

In recent years, Latin American movements for social environmental and economic justice have won impressive victories across a range of fronts including electoral politics, international trade, reclaiming control of natural resources and broadening the definition and application of human rights in public policy. From Cochabamba, Bolivia to San Jose Costa Rica to Buenos Aires, Argentina, social movements and their allies are not only resisting the expansion of failed neoliberal economic policy prescriptions such as the Washington Consensus. They are constructing new, more just, more democratic approaches to economic, social and political life.

This session is focused on learning from Latin American movement building experiences and new economic policy approaches that are uprooting neoliberalism and building new, more democratic and human-centered systems, organizations and policies throughout the region.

We are currently envisioning building a transnational conversation that includes panel of Latin Americans sharing their experiences and lessons learned followed by a panel of US-based respondents, as well as an interactive audience/small group discussion component.

NOTE: This panel is being co-organized by the Global-Local Links Project and Yes! Magazine. The organizers have had preliminary discussions with Grassroots Global Justice about a possible collaboration. The final workshop content and format is still being developed as panelists are in the process of being recruited and confirmed. We are waiting to hear from several Latin American colleagues regarding their planned attendance at USSF 2007. Additional details to follow.