Ever since the sudden collapse of the Thai baht, in June 1997, the currency crisis in the Asia-Pacific region has grown into an economic crisis, and one not contained within the region. In the west, the crisis hit with all the force of a global media event, shattering the impression of an 'Asian economic miracle'. Of course there were those in both the west and the east who knew the shaky foundations of crony capitalism and global finance capital opportunism on which the miracle was built, but these voices subsisted in the margin. Now that economic recession has triggered political crisis, particularly in Indonesia, and in a different way, Malaysia, it is worth asking what role the media plays in the globalisation of capital and the growth dynamics of developing states. This forum will examine the ways in which social movements, trade unions and NGOs navigate the restricted information circuits -- not only in the East but also between East and West. How can tools such as video and the Internet be used? Can 'tactical media' make a difference?

* contact persons: Toshiya Ueno and Geert Lovink (geert@xs4all.nl)