Global Governance

Global Governance, Human Rights, and American Empire Future Survey January 2004 Volume 26, Number 1 A World Future Society Publication Editor: Michael Marien

Global governance, emerging in a multipolar form, could be further strengthened by a standing UN Constabulary force dealing with genocide and other crimes against humanity. Violent ethnic conflict has decreased in recent years, but is still a major factor in world politics. Gains for freedom around the world were recorded for 2002, with 44% of world population now living in Free countries and 21% in Partly Free countries. Human rights are increasingly globalized, but emphasis is now needed on the right to peace and building a culture of peace, as well as the right to democracy.

The US is now widely seen as an empire, but its power could be used to promote a better world. A Year 2050 Vision proposes gradual transition to a sustainable, economically functional, and politically stable world where everyone has an adequate standard of living. Four decades ago, Sri Aurobindo envisioned the future evolution of human consciousness. In contrast, scientists pondering the future human at a Foundation For the Future workshop consider the long-term outcomes of genetic technology, but do not consider virtual humans. More immediately, UNFPA proposes investing in health and rights of the world's 1.2 billion adolescents. And the view of cultural hybridization or mélange appears more attractive than global uniformity or clash of cultures.