Abstract

From Seattle to Miami

Comments on the tensions between free trade opponents and proponents at the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) meeting in Miami. Potential confrontation between U.S. President George W. Bush and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Brazil's demands for cuts in farm subsidies and changes in antidumping laws, which have been used to raise tariffs; U.S. demands that Brazil boost opportunities and protections for international investors, including in government contracting; Claim that the meeting will be a test of whether U.S. activists can build on the momentum of the peace movement to pull off their first major globalization action since September 11, 2001; Groups expected to demonstrate in Miami; Observation that the crisis in legitimacy of corporate globalization in the wake of failed promises means that protesters and governments of poor countries could defeat the proposed FTAA.