Is there a future for liberal democracy, and if not, what is at stake?
Geopolitics.
International affairs have been shaped by historical, cultural and geographical factors. These include physical landscapes, the competition for resources, demography, economic systems, and the dynamics of power, conflict, and resolution. Geopolitics is once again on the rise, brokering the demands of climate, nature, population pressure, and international accord. Can we hold them all together?
Nature.
The Earth’s resilience is being tested as never before. The impact of the Anthropocene is intensifying with unprecedented environmental damage, rising global temperatures, population pressure, and vital sustainable development goals.
Episodes like the COVID-19 pandemic stress-test human systems and provide opportunities for fundamental change.
Meanwhile, from the susurration of trees to the intricate interdependency of ecosystems, our planet has a remarkable regenarative capacity and life of its own with or without human occupation.
Leadership.
From the rulers of ancient empires to the personality cults of modern figureheads, populations have always craved strong leadership.
The consequences for human life and suffering are immeasurable, as power struggles have dominated every civilisation. The ‘war to end all wars’ did not achieve peace and the threat of destruction between civilised countries or of the entire planet remains.
Is there a form of leadership capable of delivering us from a repetition of history, which this time around could have existential consequences?
Progress.
Globalisation has opened up the world and brought both prosperity and dire consequences. ‘Glocal’ solutions are needed and an economic motive beyond profit maximisation.
Systemic corruption and resource inequalities add further colour to a complex global scene. Totalitarian shadows, those of empire, and xenophobia haunt diplomacy and erode trust, as superpowers vie for centre stage.
Can emerging nations help and what does it mean to be ‘a nation under God’?
