4th Annual World Social Forum Debates its Future as a Vehicle for Political Action

Interview with William Fisher, co-editor of "Another World is Possible: Popular Alternatives to Globalization at the World Social Forum," conducted by Scott Harris

The World Social Forum, one of the largest international gatherings of progressive activists, drew more than 100,000 delegates to this year's event held Jan. 16 through 21 in Bombay, India. The Forum, often described as part political summit meeting, part carnival and part protest, had held its first three annual meetings in Porto Alegre, Brazil, but chose this year to move the gathering to Asia.

Originally conceived as a venue to counter the World Economic Forum held annually in Davos, Switzerland, where elite business and political leaders gather to network and formulate policies -- the World Social Forum has in many ways overshadowed its rival. Activists, academics, workers and students -- representing diverse social justice movements -- come to the World Social Forum to participate in workshops, seminars and strategy sessions exploring alternative models for equitable economic and environmentally sustainable development. Last year's Forum gave birth to coordinated international protests opposing the Bush administration's planned invasion of Iraq.

Between The Lines' Scott Harris spoke with William Fisher, co-editor of the book "Another World Is Possible: Popular Alternatives to Globalization at the World Social Forum." Fisher, who just returned from the Bombay gathering, discusses some of the issues considered at this year's Forum and the internal debate about the future of the progressive summit meeting.

William Fisher is co-editor along with Thomas Ponniah of the book "Another World Is Possible: Popular Alternatives to Globalization at the World Social Forum," published by Zed. Visit the World Social Forum's website at www.wsfindia.org

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It seems to me that the rants about the Patriot Act are completely overblown and pure puffery.

In the wake of 9/11 the top priority has to be the empowerment of law enforcement to go after terrorists with hammer and tong. Slowing them down and limiting their ability to act decisively makes no sense at all.

I'm waiting to see examples of Patriot Act abuses.

Waiting, waiting, wating (time passes), wating, waiting.