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| ATTAC (network) | |
|---|---|
| Name | ATTAC |
| Formation | 1998 |
| Type | Social movement network |
| Headquarters | Paris, France |
| Region served | International |
| Leader title | Founders |
| Leader name | José Bové, Bernard Cassen |
ATTAC (network) ATTAC is an international advocacy network originally founded in France in 1998 that campaigns on issues related to globalization, financial regulation, and taxation. The network emerged in the context of large-scale protests following the Asian financial crisis, the World Trade Organization discussions in Seattle, and debates surrounding the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. ATTAC became prominent in mobilizations near summits such as the G8 summit, the European Union meetings, and events involving the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
ATTAC was launched in Paris in 1998 amid debates triggered by the Asian financial crisis, reactions to the policies of the International Monetary Fund, and campaigns against the World Bank led by activists including José Bové and journalists such as Bernard Cassen. Early growth coincided with the Battle of Seattle protests at the World Trade Organization Ministerial Conference in 1999 and with anti-globalization mobilizations around the G8 summit in Genoa in 2001. The network expanded as national sections appeared across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia, aligning with organizations like ATTAC France, ATTAC Spain, ATTAC Italy, ATTAC Québec, and national coalitions that engaged with institutions such as the European Commission and United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Over time ATTAC adapted to changing contexts including the 2008 financial crisis, debates over the Treaty of Lisbon, and discussions at the International Labour Organization.
ATTAC operates as a decentralized federation of national and local chapters modeled after networks such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth. Each national section maintains autonomy while participating in international coordination facilitated by bodies that have convened at venues like the World Social Forum and conferences in cities such as Paris, Barcelona, and Brussels. Leadership within sections has included figures from social movements and civil society like José Bové and journalists connected to outlets such as Le Monde and Alternatives économiques. The network’s structure often mirrors the federated arrangements seen in organizations like Amnesty International and Oxfam, with thematic working groups that liaise with institutions including the European Parliament and the Council of Europe.
ATTAC’s core goals focus on financial regulation proposals exemplified by advocacy for a version of the Tobin tax—a financial transactions tax—targeting speculation on foreign exchange markets and broader calls for fiscal reforms at bodies like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank. Campaigns have pressed for transparency and accountability in institutions ranging from the World Trade Organization to the European Central Bank, and for social justice agendas linked to movements around the Millennium Development Goals and later the Sustainable Development Goals. ATTAC has campaigned on debt relief policies akin to efforts by Jubilee 2000 and alongside actors such as Oxfam and Save the Children on issues of austerity and public services affected by policies debated in the European Union and at meetings of the G20.
ATTAC has employed a mixture of direct action, public education, policy advocacy, and participation in coalition campaigns similar to tactics used by Direct Action Network and the Occupy movement. Activities have included demonstrations outside venues like the International Monetary Fund headquarters, teach-ins and workshops held at the World Social Forum, publication of analyses in partnership with think tanks such as Centre for European Reform and contributions to public debates in media outlets including Le Monde Diplomatique. Tactics have ranged from lobbying representatives in the European Parliament and national legislatures to organizing street protests at summits like the G8 summit and civil disobedience inspired by traditions seen in protests against the World Trade Organization.
ATTAC’s international footprint comprises national sections and local collectives across France, Spain, Italy, Germany, United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Senegal, Morocco, India, Japan, and others, networking with international formations such as the World Social Forum, Global Justice Movement, and alliances with NGOs like Oxfam, Greenpeace International, and Friends of the Earth International. Cooperation has extended to academic circles connected to institutions like the School of Oriental and African Studies, policy forums at the European University Institute, and civil society platforms convened by the United Nations and specialized agencies such as the UNCTAD.
ATTAC has faced criticism from free-market think tanks such as the Heritage Foundation and Cato Institute for opposing neoliberal policies advocated by institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, and from political actors in national parliaments who accused sections of politicization comparable to critiques aimed at Greenpeace or Sierra Club. Controversies have included debates over the role of prominent figures like José Bové in electoral politics, tensions with labor federations such as the Confédération générale du travail in France, and legal challenges around demonstrations at summits like the Genoa protests. Some critics within academic circles tied to Harvard University and London School of Economics questioned the movement’s policy prescriptions and strategic priorities.
ATTAC contributed to shifting public discourse on financial regulation, influencing debates on the Financial transaction tax in the European Union and stimulating policy discussions at forums including the G20 and European Parliament. The network’s legacy is visible in broader movements for financial transparency and debt justice that engaged actors from Jubilee 2000 to contemporary climate justice coalitions such as Extinction Rebellion. ATTAC’s methods and international coordination informed subsequent campaigns by grassroots networks and NGOs operating within transnational civil society spheres connected to institutions like the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and ongoing debates in organizations such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
Category:Political organizations Category:Anti-globalization movements Category:Civil society organizations