Books

The United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations has recently issued a number of studies on specific industries in the world economy. They are part of a series the U.N. Centre on Transnationals is putting together on "the role and activities of transnational corporations (TNCs) in selected industries of special interest and significance to host countries, particularly developing countries," a preface to the studies states. The goal of these presentations is "to provide a better understanding of the participation and strategies of TNCs in those industries and to enhance the ability of those countries to design appropriate strategies and policies, as well as improve their negotiating capability in dealing with TNCs. "

To obtain copies of the reports, write:

United Nations Sales Section
New York, New York, 10017

This study presents a useful overview of the world bauxite/aluminum industry and the power multinational firmsparticularly Alcan, Alcoa, Alusuisse, Kaiser, Pechiney Ugine Kuhlmann, and Reynolds-exercise over developing countries in which they operate.

Taking an upbeat view of the prospects for increased Third World power in the industry, the report claims that "the relative bargaining position of the developing countries has increased vis-a-vis transnational corporations." It backs up this assertion by citing the fact that developing countries "are in a better position to avail themselves of multilateral capital sources"; and that "technical know-how and operational expertise" can be obtained outside the six major firms.

The U.N. Centre recognizes, however, that "transnational corporations still, to a large extent, control foreign markets for bauxite and processed bauxite goods." This power in the hands of the companies can be harnessed for good use by the developing countries, the report optimistically claims: transnational corporations "can provide considerable assistance in ensuring access to markets in the developed countries."

The report, though, does not say how developing countries can exert leverage on these companies to "ensure" those Western markets; in fact, with the current decline in the world aluminum market, Third World countries are finding it increasingly difficult to sell their bauxite and aluminum.

Even though this study is overly sanguine about the possibility of Third World control over the major multinationals in the bauxite/aluminum industry, it does provide an excellent survey of the companies and countries involved in the industry, and the critical factors in the world economy which have structured the current distribution of power between country and company.

This report covers a vital, but under-investigated, area of international economic relations. It outlines in detail the nature, structure, and strategies of transnational banks, and provides a useful analysis of the effect these banks have on developing countries.

One of the most important observations the study makes is about the "conditions" which commercial banks impose. The private banks tend to "secure their exposure by direct or indirect-i.e., by tying their loans to International Monetary Fund credits - conditionality. "

The U.N. Centre offers a cautionary note about the future of the world banking system.

"Transnational banks, the single most important global mobilizers of savings and allocators of financing, can no longer be expected to perform the services they have been extending to the developing world." The capital demands of the Third World, and the risks for the banks, are simply too great.

As for remedies, the report gives only an oblique suggestion, urging "an appropriate international agency, knowledgeable about the problems of transnational banks, developing countries and home nations," to assume a more active role. Which agency this would be, and how it might operate to benefit Third World countries, the study does not specify.

All in all, though, the banking profile is exceptionally useful for anyone hoping to gain a greater understanding of this industry.

Organizations

The Campaign Against Depo-Provera argues for a world-wide ban on this contraceptive injection. Through its newsletters (published three times a year) and its recent report, "Depo-Provera," the campaign has tried to disseminate information on the drug's abuse by governments, drug companies, and the international family planning agencies.

The campaign requests letters from women with evidence on the side effects of the drug and encourages requests for information.

Write to:

Campaign Against Depo-Provera
374 Grays Inn Road London WC] ENGLAND