The autonomous signal. Political identity and collective action of the autonomous spaces at the European Social Forum in London 2004

Abstract

This paper will treat, politically and historically, autonomous spaces developed as a parallel alternative to the third European Social Forum edition, in London, in October 2004. We will analyse the collective action repertories of the autonomous groups and their spatial dynamics for challenging the urban territory control. We will try to show that the autonomous way to criticise the official forum was based on collective action repertoires capable defining an autonomous collective identity. That identity is based on grassroots organisation essentials and permits an understanding of the inclusion of the autonomous British groups within a European autonomous which itself forms part of the Global movement.