MICHAEL ALBERT is a leading critic on political economy, U.S.foreign policy, and the media. A veteran writer and activist, he currently works with Z Magazine and the website Znet, both of which he cofounded. Schooled in the New Left and anti-Vietnam War movements and an activist ever since, Albert primarily focuses on matters of movement building and creating alternative media. He developed, along with Robin Hahnel, the economic vision called participatory economics. He lives in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, with his wife and partner, Lydia Sargent.