The Conflict

In Seattle, Washington in 1999, protestors fought in the streets in protest of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Police fought the protestors, and protestors were arrested and jailed. This was the most violent of several recent protests against organizations that support global development, including the IMF in Washington, DC and the Organization of American States in Detroit, Michigan.

Political

• Protestors change that the WTO undermines domestic human rights and workers' rights around the world.

Economic

• Protestors believe the economic development initiatives of the WTO damage economies of developing nations.
• The WTO supports economic development initiatives around the world.

On the last day of November 1999, representatives of the 135 member countries of the World Trade Organization (WTO) gathered in Seattle, Washington, for the start of what most hoped would be the launch of a...