International Forum On Globalization Inc

Programs: Plutonomy program:as ifg intensifies its "inside" work to change institutions, we will also support "outside" efforts to build the power of peoples' movements. Increasingly, a few, ultra wealthy plutocrats have lately made enormous strides toward dominating global governance, finance and national democracies [now known as "the 1% vs. The 99%"], while actively undermining traditional democratic expressions. These include such concerns as collective bargaining rights, clean air protections, social services and safety nets. The wealth of these individuals is so great that we are beginning to see a kind of global neo-feudalism evolving, where they themselves become the pivotal arbiters and factors shaping economies, politics, media, and many other elements of once democratic systems. The laws and regulations that have permitted such wealth concentration have themselves been shaped by the very special interests that benefit the most, while the public treasury is almost ignored. Ifg works to bring these issues to the table, and to call attention to the most salient and shocking examples of ultra-concentrated wealth and the political influence it garners, while also seeking to organize resistance and change in these areas.

asia-pacific program:the asia-pacific region encompasses an entire hemisphere: 8,000 miles across the pacific, 55 countries, 60% of global population, and a majority of the planets remaining resources. Yet even the most shocking events in the region receive little attention from media, even progressive media in the united states. Recent actions and policy shifts by the u. S. , china, russia, japan, korea and other pacific nationseconomic, military, trade, environmentalhave created profoundly negative effects for the peoples and the geo-political situation in the asia-pacific region and ultimately the whole world. Particular concerns focus on global corporate resource-raiding intrusions into small island nations, the undermining of indigenous rights and national sovereignties in the region, the terrible environmental effects of the conversion of land and ocean resources to export, and the rapid invasion of enormous new military presences, especially from the united states---now with 400 military bases in the pacific--- to enforce economic domination of the region. In many places, mass resistance movements are underway. Ifg works to bring public attention in the mainland u. S. To the plights of peoples and the environment of the entire pacific rim, by way of urgent publications, private and public seminars, including teach-ins, and organizing meetings among pacific peoples.