The World Social Forum: An Open Space or a Movement of Movements?

The question concerning whether the World Social Forum should be delineated as simply a space that permits the articulation of voices that challenge the global economic-political hegemony or as a potential nexus for sundry political & social movements is addressed. Characteristics of the World Social Forum's organizational charter that prohibit the expression of political perspectives are noted; the organization's rationale for preventing parties from verbalizing political thought is reviewed. The organization's reaction to the participation of the Mumbai Resistance in the World Social Forum's 2004 meeting in Mumbai, India, & the contention that such meetings do not truly create "open spaces" are then addressed. The transformation of the World Social Forum into a globally representative political party is deemed unlikely; nevertheless, it is asserted that such organizations can contribute to the formation & empowerment of other global political parties. The importance of the World Social Forum for coordinating non-governmental organizations & ecological, political, & social movements is noted. 12 References. J. W. Parker