How can we promote peace?

Where we are fighting, what are we fighting for?

How do we defend our open, free, democratic society from nationalist powers and religious imperialists?

How can we improve the global system of governance, security and cooperation?

How do we get emerging countries to be responsible and constructive players in the world system?

What can we do to stop terrorists and rogue states getting their hands on nuclear weapons?

Can we avoid war and disorder as the West loses its place as top dog?

How can we minimise the risk of terrorism and war?

When should we intervene and when should we mind our own business?

We are fast becoming a global civilization. Global consciousness is emerging as result of the media, Internet, mass migration and travel. It is foolishly naive to believe that we are there yet because the world’s consciousness is still mostly tribal, national and religious with a veneer of commerce and liberalism. Our interests are best served if we act in all dimensions simultaneously. We need to be local, tribal and national and look after our security and interests just as we ever did. Because of our interdependence, emerging global consciousness and asymmetrical threats from terrorism, we must also think global. Whatever we do, everyone else sees and responds. When we make decisions we need to think of the well-being of the whole world and all of its constituent parts. We can make short-term decisions in our own interests and consequently harm others, but it will come back to bite us at a later date. As an interdependent global community, we must take care of all the parts.