Reading summary Week 4

Aracelia Alvarez
PACS 135 Feb 13, 2008
Reading Summary Week 4

Burbach/Tarbell: “Imperial Overstretch” and Subcmte. Marcos “4th WW”

The idea of imperial overstretch is interesting choice of words, although I would argue that it is not a new concept. Marx, Lenin, and others wrote about capitalism reaching its limits by arriving at imperialism. My criticism of “Imperial Overstretch” is that it focused too much on Bush and his presidency. It is not only Bush and his regime that have developed U.S. military prowess. The alliance of capitalists, politicians, CEO’s, corporations, neo-cons, and many Democrats for that matter have been complacent as the imbroglio develops. Though by no means do I defend or promote Bush’s politics, he is not the first to speak of spreading democracy or liberal ideals across the globe. This is a game of hegemony, and Bush is not immune to it. As was proposed by the readings, this is an “empire of deceit” bent on economic control by any means necessary.
The mobilization of popular forces as a “second superpower” is inspiring. But let us not be naïve- the forces we challenge are powerful as well. Hegemony and apathy still reigns supreme. I am hesitant to believe that in the U.S., a majority of the population and many in industrialized nations (the privileged classes)will be willing to sacrifice comforts and commodities for the possibility of ‘another world’. Sorry for the cynicism! The writings of Subcomandante Marcos are inspiring, but he is preaching to the choir. The intergalactic, planetary wars can be as easily contested as Al Gore’s preaching about Global Warming. Marcos suggests that resistance is being woven by those who have been excluded from “modernity” but I would argue that many have been resisting from within modernity too.

Hardt & Negri: Multitude

I need elaboration on the distinction between the postmodern phase and Globalization.
The permanency of war and police and the idea of a zero-tolerance society make perfect sense in connection to biopower. The NYPD and LAPD have both launched zero-tolerance policies, in the name of anti-terrorism. These policies have heightened the ability of police and military to act as state informants, state terrorists, and mercenary forces within U.S. boundaries and abroad. Meanwhile federal policies have diminished so-called civil rights that were designed to provide citizens with fundamental constitutional protections. As Hardt and Negri point out, there is an inherent weakness in considering human rights- humans rely on much more than rights (ie: food, water, air, social relationships, etc). Just as the global and economic interests of empire rely on networks, so do the various forms of resistance- the Zapatista struggle is one example.