Rather than relying on the politicians and bankers perceived to have caused the mess, a grassroots, independent campaign for citizens, by citizens is asking for ideas on how to rebuild a country's economy.
Annual world military expenditure is estimated to have reached $1339 billion, representing a 6% increase in real terms since 2006 and a 45% increase over the past decade.
The global recession has prompted some to ask whether wealthy countries can afford to continue sending money, food, medicine, building supplies, and aid workers abroad to help people in other nations.
Activists globally are organising under the banner "Another World Is Possible" to try and ensure that poor people are at the forefront of any new global financial system that may emerge.
Over 100 nations have signed a treaty outlawing the use of cluster munitions, although some major countries have so far refused to do so.