G8: The Summit of Fear

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June 2003. The G8 summit is being held in Evian. Switzerland had no say in the French authorities’ choice of venue, while anti-globalization activists—who are barred from demonstrating in Evian—are gathering in Lausanne and Geneva. Temps présent followed the preparations for this summit, covering both the authorities’ and the anti-globalization activists’ perspectives. Everyone is preparing for a showdown, knowing that groups of rioters from all over Europe will gather on the shores of Lake Geneva. Beyond the tensions between law enforcement and protesters, it is the very issue of freedom of expression that is at stake at a summit of the world’s leading heads of state, who are increasingly out of touch with the realities of the people.