World Order: The Need for a Bold New Approach

Abstract

Long experience shows that domestic order within any organized society, including the nation, requires, not only the suppression of organized armed factions but also legisla tive, executive, and judicial institutions to enact and enforce definite law against violence. Until it is generally accepted that world order requires corresponding world institutions, there is no chance for any reliable peace on our planet. The requirements for such an order are: universal and complete national disarmament; an adequate world police force; a world judicial, quasi-judicial, and conciliation system; world legisla tive and executive agencies; a world development authority; and an effective world revenue system. The necessary lead ership for world order is likely to appear in the 1960's owing to the advent of ballistic missiles and their constantly increas ing power and accuracy which threaten the survival of civili zation. Leadership might come from four possible sources, the Soviet Union, a group of neutral or uncommitted nations, the British Commonwealth, or the United States. The Brit ish Commonwealth is most promising as a source of leader ship because of strong motivation, mature political capacity, and immense prestige. If two conditions are met—the emer gence of creative and dynamic leadership, and intelligent and persistent educational efforts for world peace through world law—a new world order, based on universal and complete dis armament and enforceable world law, can reasonably be ex pected within ten to fifteen years.—Ed.