Between Globalism and Pragmatism: ATTAC in France, Germany, and Sweden

This article tests two conflicting theoretical views on the extent to which economic and political globalization makes contentious groups and social movements more globally oriented in their strategies. It focuses on a critical case in the globalization of activism: the Attac group, which forms part of the movement for global justice. By analyzing the demands, actions, and targets present in the group's communiques in France, Germany and Sweden, the analysis yields mixed conclusions about the globalization of protest. Although the global orientation of Attac is evident in the demands contained in such statements, the group appears highly centered at the national level through its choice of targets and alliances. Furthermore, in France and Germany there is a clear trend towards a more national focus among the demands made by the group.