Archives 2005:
Vol. 4, Numbers 1-12
Read past articles including:
Standing up for Humanity
Unity in Diversity
Thought and Imagination
Imagination and Healing
Lessons of Katrina
Intelligent Design or Evolution

February, 2002
Vol. 1, number 2

Introduction to the book World Diplomacy

There exist today two main trends in the world which are going in opposite directions. These contradictory trends are not new, but because of the nature of current technology they present both immanent hope and pressing fear in people's psychology. On one hand is an urge for unity, tolerance, understanding, and cooperation that is greater than ever before in the history of humanity. On the other is an increase of factionalism, fanaticism, selfishness, and disregard for life. These contradictions are a real source of confusion for people, since they present different value systems for human behavior, and different consequences for the survival of the planet.

In the field of international relations, where global concerns are encompassing every field of life, diplomacy must become a force which meets the current human need, and gives hope to humanity. It must reflect the new, wholistic ways of thinking which are emerging in every concern - from health to education, to environment, to economics. It must provide leadership and values which inspire governments and populations to serve the common cause of a happier, healthier, more prosperous, more unified, and more responsible global community. Diplomacy must orient politics to serve and promote life on a global scale, consistent with the ageless ethical standards of human civilizations.

Humanity is in a state of fear and confusion because governments are not providing a direction or a sense of purpose. Rather, they appear to be perpetuating and serving the underlying contradictions of current affairs by creating both hope and despair, and by perpetuating a general atmosphere of tension, conflict, and uncertainty. In such a state, people can not be free and constructive elements in society, regardless of the political or economic system under which they live. Without goal or purpose people live from day to day and from problem to problem, selfishly concerned with their own material existence.

Because technology is redefining man's awareness of community, and because it has the potential to amplify the consequences of decisions for the benefit or detriment of basic survival and progress, it is necessary to set higher standards for the role of leadership in the world. The leader of the future must be adept at diplomacy. Diplomacy must be redefined to meet current realities, and to eliminate the opposing forces both in world politics and in the motivations of those who would consider themselves "leaders." The purpose, therefore, of this book is to examine new goals for world diplomacy in a new world order, and to investigate the underlying principles which can shape its methods and potential as a saving force for our planet.

World Diplomacy, Introduction, pages xiii-xiv