The Will of the Many: How the Alterglobalisation Movement is Changing the Face of Democracy (Anthropology, Culture and Society) [Paperback]

Marianne Maeckelbergh (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 074532925X | ISBN-13: 978-0745329253 | Publication Date: October 27, 2009 | Edition: 1

Never before has the idea of democracy enjoyed the global dominance it holds today, but neoliberalism has left the practice of democracy finds itself in deep crisis. Marianne Maeckelbergh argues that the most promising model for global democracy is not coming from traditional political parties or international institutions, but from the global networks of resistance to neoliberal economics, known collectively as the Alter-globalization movement. Through extensive ethnography of decision-making practices within these movements, Maeckelbergh describes an alternative form of global democracy in the making. Perfect for activists and students of political anthropology, this powerful and enlightening book offers radical changes.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Maeckelbergh's ethnographic research has enabled her to write an exciting book-length exploration of the prefigurative democratic political practices of alter-globalization activists. This study is essential reading for all who continue to insist that other worlds are possible. -- John Gledhill, Max Gluckman Professor of Social Anthropology, University of Manchester Fifty years from now, this book may well be looked back on as having opened an entire new chapter in the history of democratic thought. It certainly deserves to. -- Dr David Graeber, Reader in Anthropology, Goldsmiths College, University of London A sophisticated analysis of the alterglobalisation movement from the perspective of a well-connected insider. This volume represents an important contribution to a growing ethnographic literature on the 'new politics' that have arisen in tension with a neoliberal global world order. Particularly useful is the focus on the way power is constituted and organized in networks. Recommended. -- C. J. MacKenzie, University of Lethbridge reviewing for Choice

About the Author

Marianne Maeckelbergh is lecturer in Cultural Anthropology at the Universtity of Leiden, Netherlands and received her PhD from the University of Sussex. She has 15 years experience of alterglobalization activism, organizing and facilitating exactly the decision-making processes that lie at the heart of her study.  Her other research interests include anthropological approaches to ‘identity,’ ‘personhood’ and ‘agency’ in a context of global flows, urban social movements in India, class, and language.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Pluto Press; 1 edition (October 27, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 074532925X
• ISBN-13: 978-0745329253
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #530,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, December 12, 2009

By 

Charlie Ripka (Connecticut) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Will of the Many: How the Alterglobalisation Movement is Changing the Face of Democracy (Anthropology, Culture and Society) (Paperback)

a whole new view of Democracy and the pose of facing new realities...Exciting and energizing to say the least.