non-Americans and the American left asserting themselves

[Peter K.]

"The meeting comes as nations, rich and poor, are shedding the deference they have shown the United
States on economic issues." I thought that without the Soviet
Union around, everyone would have to bow down to the hyperpower....

http://www.nytimes.com/2002/04/20/international/20GLOB.html
page A4
April 20, 2002
U.S. to Use World Meeting to Focus on Terror Finances
By RICHARD W. STEVENSONand DAVID LEONHARDT

WASHINGTON, April 19 — As protesters streamed into town to greet them, finance ministers from around
the world gathered here today to take up proposals for battling terrorism and poverty at a time when
the links between the two are increasingly clear.

Against the backdrop of a strengthening global economy and growing international pressure to address
the gap between rich and poor, officials from more than 180 nations descended on the World Bank and
the International Monetary Fund for a weekend of negotiation, debate and socializing.

They were shadowed by the demonstrators who have made such meetings forums for their views on the
inequities of capitalism, as well as other issues, which in this case include Israel's military
action against the Palestinians.
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