Preventive policy instead of preventive wars

The 22nd edition of the environmental classic deals with a new definition of “global security”. After the “war against terror” diverted the world’s attention from the underlying causes of growing global insecurity, the scholars of the Washington-based think tank focus on issues as climate change, population explosion, arms trade, environmental degradation and epidemics. They suggest widening the prevailing concept of security. The consequences of endemic poverty, growing inequality, higher unemployment and intensifying competition for natural resources do not stop at state borders. Unlike traditional threats, the problems of the 21 century can only be controlled by cooperation on a global scale. The institute advises the political elites to work together on as many fronts as possible and to pursue a foresighted policy, which pays respect to all citizens. (orb)