Whatever happened to the revolution?

Purpose Aims to discuss counter‐movements to the recent G8 summit of 2005, held at Gleneagles, Scotland, place them into a broader social and historical context, and assess their long‐term impact. Design/methodology/approach Draws upon personal interpretation of recent meetings of the G8 and WTO, in terms of both the impact of the meetings themselves on the global and on local economies, and the impact and effectiveness of counter‐movements. Critically compares previous events with the recent G8 meeting. Findings It is argued that, whilst high profile resistance to the G8/WTO has become less radical and elements of the resistance have been usurped by political leaders in order to neuter this resistance, grass roots resistance is alive and thriving across the world. Originality/value Discusses issues of contemporary relevance, and places them into a broader social/historical context.