DAL. DooK notes The State of the Planet, 1995-1996 (Worldwatch Institute) There is no hesitation in the success of this yearly publication, now translated into 27 languages. This year, we are offered a range of in-depth studies, some extremely useful, others less so, on the exploitation of the sea (P. Weber), the human and ecological equilibrium of mountain regions (D. Denniston), renewable energy (C. Flavin), raw materials and recycling (J. E. Young and A. Sachs), building (N. Lenssen and D Malin), China (M. Ryan and C. Flavin), population shifts and refugees (H. Kane), arms production (M. Renner) and international institutions (H.P. French). The introductory chapter on the limits of nature is signed by WorldWatch Institute patron Lester Brown, who tries to advance a synthesis between ecological and economic concerns. He strikes one nail firmly on the head: the ecological crisis is an integral part, a direct factor of the socio-economic crisis. But he also avoids any radical criticism of the productivist logic of the dominant system. It is almost as if he saw this system we live under as an invariable historical "given" fact. This obliges him to simplify, even reverse the links between cause and effect. He ends up identifying demography as the main cause of disorder in the world, up to and including Rwanda. In consequence, demography becomes also the main field in which "we" can "act". Brown opens with a discussion of the Cairo UN conference on population, and closes with some comments on the "China [demographic] factor". But what about the dictatorship of the market? Or the "World Trade Organisation Factor"? Brown's introductory chapter reveals the limits of the WorldWatch Institute. The level of their theoretical analysis seems to be slipping back. Nevertheless, this book is an indispensable source of information and arguments, even if they are rather fragmented. Reviewed by Pierre Rousset (editor of the French weekly Rouge) The Reality of Aid 95, an Independent Review of International Aid, Earthscan, London, 1995, 120 p. The state of "aid" to the third world, in the wake of the UN "social summit" in Copenhagen. Produced by networks of NonGovernmental Organisations in 21 OECD countries. This annual report covers a selection or major themes, analysing the behaviour of the "North", country by country. Valuable reference work. [reviewed by P. Rousset) JUST PUBLISHED Face au Plan Juppé: Changer radicalement. Propositions de la Ligue Communiste Révolutionaire The Revolutionary Communist League (LCR) propositions for a political solution to the crisis in the public sector, and the deep discontent in society. Written, printed and distributed during the mass demonstrations that have shaken France and fascinated socialists everywhere. Price (including airmail postage) £2/$4/15FF. Available from the International Viewpoint office. To order, try your nearest progressive bookstore, contact the publishers directly, or write to : La Breche, 9 rue de Tunis, 75011 Paris, France tel. (+33 1) 43 67 63 57 fax 43 79 29 61 (English, French and Spanish spoken).. Where no price is given, we suggest you enclose a donation of US$ 10 in any convertible currency to cover the postage costs of the publisher. To announce your publication in this free listing, send a sample copy to "Book reviers" c/o International Viewpoint, PECI, BP 85, 75522 Paris cedex 11, France.
International Viewpoint January 1996 35
Emest Mander
Study Contre in Amsterdam
This Centre has been created by
Ernest's colleagues at the International Institute for Research and
Education in Amsterdam.
Ernest helped create the institute in 1982. Since then, hundreds of militants from all parts of the world have taken part in seminars courses and conferences. All this was supported with a programme of publications in English, French and
Castillian, and an unique library -
25,000 books and pamphlets, in a wide range of languages
The Centre is an example of the kind of internationalism in which
Ernest Mandel believed. Directed by the needs of its students. Enriching all those who participated in its activities.
Ernest himself was a regular participant in these events. He gave dozens of presentations, and participated in hundreds of debates.
Much of this material is available for consultation and study on paper or audio tape.
But Ernest also came to learn. To meet with new militants from
Eastern Europe, North Africa and
South America, and test his ideas against their experience.
The new Ernest Mandel Study
Centre will continue Ernest's favourite activities. It will bring third world militants, socialists and feminists, to Amsterdam to discuss economics, politics, and building the revolutionary alternative. It will facilitate the translation of important texts into the languages tomorrow's revolutionaries will speak. And it will
Send donations to "IIRE: Mandel Study Centre", place Ernest's invaluable stock of account 630-0113884-65, at Caisse Privée articles, speeches and books at the
Banque, Brussels, Belgium. For more information disposition of these new write to the IIRE: PO Box 53290, 1007 RG generations of militants.
Amsterdam, Netherlands. Fax +31 20/673 2106.
The Centre is just beginning. We
E-mail < [email protected]> need funds to start these activities
A regular newsletter will be sent to all those who want to support us, so that you know how your money is being spent.
36
International Viewpoint n° 273