Zapatistas : Rebellion from the Grassroots to the Global

This book provides a critical and comprehensive overview of one of the most important rebel groups in recent history. In the early hours of January 1, 1994 a guerrilla army of indigenous Mayan peasants emerged in the far southeast of Mexico and declared "¡Ya basta!" -- "Enough!". As elites in North America celebrated the coming into force of the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation declared war against 500 years of colonialism, racism, exploitation, oppression and genocide. The effects of the uprising were profound, and felt far beyond the borders of Mexico, sparking a powerful new wave of transnational socio-political action. Alex Khasnabish explores the Zapatista movement's origins, history, structure, aims, political philosophy and possible future directions.