17. Towards an Alternative
We can now turn our attention to the task of examining and debating
possible alternatives. Some of the proposals in this final part of the
book actually stem from ideas put forward by social movements in
various countries. They originate either in the deliberations of the
social movements themselves or from the work of different
researchers and international organisations. This is not an all-
inclusive programme, nor should it be seen as a proposal to accept or
reject en bloc. They are suggestions, alternative avenues for debate
and reflection. At best, they are a collection of necessary-but-insuffi
cient conditions for charting a path forward. The angle of attack is in
keeping with the analysis provided thus far. The issues addressed are
thus: the burden of the Third World debt for the peoples of the South;
North-South relations; 'power'financial deregulation; the evolution
of revenue distribution in favour of the holders of capital; and unem
ployment. This section of the book is addressed to those directly
involved in the struggle for change.
PRIORITY NEEDS AS THE STARTING POINT
The Third World
According to official documents from UNICEF, the UNDP and the
World Bank (UNDP, 1994), about S90 billion over ten years would
be enough to:
- Provide basic medical care for all, vaccinate all children,
eliminate extreme malnutrition and reduce non-life-
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