ABSTRACT
The development of a new paradigm at the global level requires that we know more about the institutions of the world global economy. In this work we used the paradigm of the modern world system of Immanuel Wallerstein to understand the position of social movements in national societies and in the emerging trading blocks. A further structural feature of the modem world system is its intensive incorporation and intensive dissemination of market economy mentality. It is important to note that the emergence of the European Union as a trading block means also the re-emergence of European capitalism as the hegemonic model of capitalism world wide. This model includes a new paradigm of economic development called sustainable development, which is linked to the concept of Social Europe. This may lead to a more important role for trade unionism that became an important catalyst in the 1980s and 1990s to promote the engagement of civil associations in the decision-making process.
