The International Network on Disarmament and Globalization (INDG) was formed on May 12th 1999 by peace activists attending the Hague Appeal for Peace civil society conference. The activists shared a concern about the effect of economic globalization on world peace. 

INDG members exchange information on the relationship between economic globalization and militarism. Particular attention is paid to the power and influence of weapons corporations, rising military spending, and globalization’s exacerbation of the root causes of war such as human rights violations, environmental degradation, and economic inequality. 

The network opposes international trade agreements and which do not promote peace and disarmament. This scrutiny is extended to the institutions of globalization such as the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the IMF.

Structure 
The network is comprised of individuals from peace and social justice movements around the world. Its work is coordinated by the Chair who is responsible for the network’s functions including outreach, research and materials, organizing, and fundraising. 

Membership is open to any person wishing to join. This can be done through the mail, by fax, or on the internet by subscribing to the e-mail discussion list.

Location
End the Arms Race, a peace group in Vancouver, Canada, has very generously offered use of its mailing address and office.

The [mil-corp] e-mail list
In June, the INDG’s Internet e-mail list was established. The moderated list has 145 members in 21 countries worldwide. Members receive six to ten messages per week of articles, bulletins and notices.

Recent postings have included information on the activities of weapons corporations such as Lockheed Martin and BAe Systems, the increased use of mercenaries by corporations, the corporate beneficiaries of Ballistic Missile Defence, reports on the WTO and events in Seattle.

Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace
In September, the INDG participated with other members of civil society at the founding meeting of the Association of Asian Parliaments for Peace in Bangladesh. Parliamentarians and NGOs from 30 countries received information on the relationship between peace and globalization. 

The WTO and The Global War System
The International Network on Disarmament and Globalization co-sponsored the public forum “The WTO and the Global War System” in Seattle on November 28th as part of civil society activities around the ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization. The forum was also sponsored by peace groups in Canada and the US, as well as the Abolition 2000 Working Group on Corporate Issues. It examined the links between militarism, globalization and the WTO.

More than 300 people heard the presentations by Susan George of the Transnational Institute, Mark Ritchie of the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy, Alice Slater of GRACE and Abolition 2000, and Steven Staples of the INDG. The proceedings will be published and a 30-minute video released in 2000.

Website and brochure
In December, the network’s logo and brochure were created to introduce to describe the network and invite people to join. A website was created as an electronic accompaniment to the brochure, and to serve as a further source of information on issues, events, and allied organizations. 

End the Arms Race and the Public Education for Peace Society have generously provided internet services for the website and e-mail list serve. The website address is .

Financial Statement 
As of December 31st, 1999 
(All amounts in Canadian dollars)

Balance 
Cash                     0
Materials         1400
Total Current Assets  1400 

Total Assets          1400 

Liabilities              0 
Equity               0

Liabilities and Equity   0

Income
Revenue 
Donations         3400
Total Revenue         3400

Expenses
Materials              300
Design            1700
Total Expenses        2000

Net Income            1400 

Looking ahead to 2000
The network’s membership will grow in the next year. It is expected that membership could reach 1000 members in 30 countries by the end of 2000. Regular mailings and a newsletter will assist in developing the cohesiveness of the network. An internal structure of regional representatives will be developed to expand outreach.

The network will also produce articles, briefing papers, fact sheets and a video in the coming year on militarism and globalization. These materials will be widely distributed and will contribute to existing campaigns of the peace and social justice movements.

The network will continue to sponsor workshops and conduct public presentations at conferences and other events. Several events have already been scheduled for 2000.

Modest resources to accomplish these goals will be required. Sources of financing will be sought to carry out this important work.
 

Steven Staples 
Chair