Our Current Work
Here is a look at some of the current projects that are the focus of The Democracy Center's work.
Dignity and Defiance: Stories from Bolivia's Challenge to Globalization (University of California Press, forthcoming in 2008)
In 2008 The Democracy Center will publish a major new book, a set of eight important case studies using Bolivia as an example to look at the real world impacts of economic globalization. The book chapters include:
The Cochabamba Water Revolt, and What Happened Afterwards
- Enron and Shell Spread Destruction Across Bolivia's Mystic Highlands
- Oil and Gas: The Illusive Wealth Beneath Their Feet
- Lessons in Blood and Fire: The Deadly Consequences of IMF Economics
- Economic Strings: The Politics of Debt, Debt Cancellation, and Free Trade
- Coca: The Leaf that Drives the War on Drugs
- Mothers, Weavers and Fighters: How Bolivian Women Negotiate the Pressures
and Opportunities of a Globalized World - And Those Who Left: Tales of Bolivian Emigration
As we get closer to publication we'll have more information here about the book and how to pre-order a copy.
Ongoing Writing and Reporting
The Democracy Center staff and our volunteers are involved in an ongoing set of investigation and writing projects. These include our popular Blog from Bolivia and Democracy Center On-Line newsletter, as well as briefing papers and articles for publications in the US, Canada and Europe. Visit our publications page here.
Advocacy Training for Global Justice Activists
The Democracy Center is currently developing a new advocacy training program which will bring global justice advocates from the US to Bolivia for a combination of intensive training workshops, interaction with their Bolivian activist counterparts, and a host of activities to expose them to some of the economic, social and cultural realities of a low-income country. The project will begin in 2008.
Providing Guidance and Support to Social Justice Advocacy Efforts
The Democracy Center also continues to help social justice groups worldwide to develop their advocacy campaigns and efforts. In Bolivia this includes groups organizing to demand U.S. extradition of indicted former President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada and groups seeking to allow legal global export of the coca leaf in products such as herbal tea. Globally we work with groups affiliated with The International Budget Project, the United Nations Development Program, and others.