Antiglobalists

Antiglobalists are individuals or groups who oppose or critique globalization, the increasing interconnectedness of economies, politics, and cultures through international trade, investment, institutions, and communication networks. They argue that globalization can undermine national sovereignty, erode labor and environmental standards, and accelerate inequality.

Core concerns include the economic effects of liberalized trade and capital flows, perceived loss of democratic control in global institutions such as the World Trade Organization, International Monetary Fund, and World Bank, as well as cultural homogenization, environmental degradation, and the growing power of multinational corporations. Tactics often involve protest, advocacy for protectionist policies, calls for stronger regulation of corporations, support for fair trade and local production, and demands for greater democratic accountability at global forums.

History: The term gained prominence with the anti-globalization movement of the late 1990s and early 2000s, notably around protests against the WTO meeting in Seattle in 1999. Broad networks of labor unions, environmental groups, human rights organizations, and others formed a Global Justice Movement that opposed certain aspects of economic globalization while sometimes advocating reforms.

Variants: Not all antiglobalists share a single program. Some favor protectionist or immigration-restrictive policies; others advocate regionalization, localization, or reforms to strengthen social protections and environmental standards within global trade rules. Debates also exist over balancing national sovereignty with global governance and democratic accountability.

Critics of antiglobalist positions argue that such views can promote protectionism or xenophobia, while supporters contend that globalization has produced both gains and losers and requires safeguards and more democratic oversight.