“Los de Seattle”

Summary by euractiv.com

In an article entitled “Los de Seattle” (El Pais, 16 July 2001), Ralf Dahrendorf states it is now clear that all high level international meetings are accompanied by violent protesters, a massive police presence and severe restrictions for the ordinary citizens. The author investigates why and what can be done with respect to this new unrest that accompanies globalisation.

Dahrendorf states that it should be clear that violence in the streets of free countries is unacceptable. He thinks though that there is a more widespread feeling among citizens sensing that the important decisions that affect their lives are no longer taken by institutions they can control. This triggers ‘glocalisation’. The most severe reaction, however, is wanting to destroy it all, thereby symbolising the citizens impotency.

Dahendorf concludes that the institutions can and should become more transparent, more responsible and more sensitive to its citizens (even though the EU shows how difficult this can be). More importantly, however, is it necessary to establish a vision for a prosperous future in freedom. Until then, ‘those of Seattle’ will stay an uncomfortable reminder of the need to move ahead.

Ralf Dahrendorf is a British sociologist, a former director of the London School of Economics and a member of the UK House of Lords.

To read the full article, see

“Los de Seattle”by Ralf Dahrendorf.