Role of People in the Future Global Order *

Abstract

Proposals for change in the present international order, particularly in the context of the increasing desire for self-reliance and fulfillment of needs in Third World communities, require creative thought about the role of people in the future global order. Perception of the world as a system of nation-states and traditional nonparticipation of the public in foreign-policy making by national governments inhibits the creation of a future in which people can fulfill their needs in self-reliant communities. Evidence suggests that lack of confidence in their national governments is inhibiting people in industrialized countries from responding to the needs of Third World people. At the same time, it is doubtful that Third World governments can satisfy the needs of people without wider participation of the people in governmental foreign-policy making. The future needs of people in both Third World and industrialized communities will only be served by the creation of symmetrical and responsive relationships between local communities in all parts of the world.