Samir AMIN

1.                  A currency cannot exist in the absence of a state. Together, a state and its currency are the means by which capital operates, above and beyond the various competing forces.  The current perception of a capitalist system controlled by the market and in the absence of the state (which in this case, is reduced to the minimal role of maintaining law and order) is not based on any serious historical understanding of capital. Neither is this perception based on any scientific theory that shows the ability of the market to maintain an optimal balance.

The Euro was created in the absence of a European state, at a time when the nation-states were themselves being stripped of the responsibility to manage capital. The notion of a currency that is “independent” of the state is in itself absurd.

Evaluation of the WSF 2011 Dakar

Note from Samir Amin

1. Networks of Third World Forum and the World Forum for Alternatives, associated with CODESRIA and ENDA Tiers Monde and supported by Tansform-Europe, Action Aid, South South Peoples' Solidarity Network, have been visibly present and active in the Dakar 2011 and probably more than in previous events of the WSF.

Participants from Asia and Africa mobilized in the roundtables and conferences organized by the institutions and the networks involved have probably gathered a good number of Africans and Asians who have intervened during the WSF 2011 Dakar. These roundtables and conferences were attended by a number of participants (more than 200 at any time), continuously over four days (Monday to Thursday) from 09 am to 19 pm. Participants from Latin America and Europe have also been present and active during these four days. The quality and level of interventions have often been remarkable.