The two most pressing issues in our modern global society are the disproportionate distribution of resources and the imminent threat of environmental collapse. In my opinion, as long as these injustices are allowed to perpetuate on both the national and international stages, our society as a whole will weaken and peaceful existence will be unattainable. Vision of Humanity is an initiative of the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). The project argues that peace is no longer an altruistic abstraction, but a quantifiable condition based on 8 interrelated structures. These structures are: 1. A sound business environment 2. A well functioning government 3. An equitable distribution of resources 4. Free flow of information 5. Low levels of corruption 6. Acceptance of the rights of others 7. High levels of education 8. Good relations with neighboring states Both inequitable distribution of resources (which is specifically listed) and increased environmental threats negatively impact all 8 of these structures. While the reversing of these trends is squarely in our human control, we seem unable to make enough progress on either issue to assure a more universal global peace. Environmental insecurity breeds human insecurity; economic inequity breeds human conflict. The IEP has created a Global Peace Index that measures peace on an individual state level. Out of the 162 sovereign nations profiled, the United States ranks at 99. This is an embarrassment. As the most influential nation on the planet we should be setting the standard for better environmental and economic practices. We should be the standard bearer for international peace. However, if we cannot even provide a more complete peace for our own citizens, how can we take a global charge? I have provided a link to Visions of Humanity below. Take some time to look at it with an effort to understand our place in the larger global community. The power of quantifiable peace is in our hands, we just need to start using it.
Posted on: Mon, 12 May 2014 18:20:56 +0000
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