VOICES OF FREEDOM ★^1089From Global Exchange, Seattle,
Declaration for Global Democracy
(December 1999)The demonstrations that disrupted the December 1999 meeting of the World
Trade Organization in Seattle brought to public attention a widespread dissatis-
faction with the effects of economic “globalization.” In this declaration, organiz-
ers of the protest offered their critique.
As citizens of global society, recognizing that the World Trade Organization is unjustly
dominated by corporate interests and run for the enrichment of the few at the expense
of all others, we demand:
Representatives from all sectors of society must be included in all levels of trade
policy formulations. All global citizens must be democratically represented in the for-
mulation, implementation, and evaluation of all global social and economic policies.
Global trade and investment must not be ends in themselves, but rather the instru-
ments for achieving equitable and sustainable development including protection for
workers and the environment.
Global trade agreements must not
undermine the ability of each nation-
state or local community to meet its cit-
izens’ social, environmental, cultural or
economic needs.
The World Trade Organization must
be replaced by a democratic and trans-
parent body accountable to citizens—
not to corporations.
No globalization without repre-
senta tion!
QUESTIONS- Why does Clinton feel that free trade is
necessary to American prosperity? - Why do the Seattle protesters feel that the
World Trade Organization is a threat to
democracy? - How do these documents reflect contradic-
tory arguments about the impact of global-
ization in the United States?