Group items tagged

In the wake of the financial crisis, the United States is no longer the leader of the global economy, and no other nation has the political and economic leverage to replace it. Rather than a forum for compromise, the G-20 is likely to be an arena of conflict.

This is a good article. Got a lot of play at Davos. We have been taking a deep look at the G20 for the New Seven Revs presentation, particularly looking at the top 150 words of G20 Communication. Here are some of the word clouds we generated, 1999-2007: http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/3036182/G20_Communiques_(1999-2007 and 2008-2010: http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/3036001/G20_Communiques_%282008-2010%29 You will notice that the tone has changed considerably. Globalization was not mentioned even once between 2008 and 2010.

Seems to me there are a couple of interrelated ways to approach the governance revolution: (1) challenges to individual states (including discussion of failed states) and to the state as the primary actor on the world stage, and (2) changes and challenges in global governance (e.g., rise of the BRICs, or maybe BICs now that Russia seems to be under-performing).

Summary: The nation-state may be obsolete in an internetted world. Increasingly, the resources and threats that matter disregard governments and borders. States are sharing powers that defined their sovereignty with corporations, international bodies, and a proliferating universe of citizens groups. Comment: The article is somewhat dated, but something of a classic.

State of the World Populations 2007: Unleashing the Potential for Urban Growth. [cited 28\nFebruary 2008]

The prospects for reforming the state have improved, but it will be a long haul.

Lessons from a place that combines most of the shortcomings of the modern Western state.

In 1931, it was a question of passports. In 1998, it was a question of disappearing borders. And today, it is a question of economic growth and inequality. Globalization has made many richer but also poses a confounding question: What will it take for states to leave conflict behind and, instead, cooperate?

This article in the Chronicle of Higher Education presents a good discussion of the state of research into addressing humanity's preparedness for super-intelligent machines.

* http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/maps/index.htm * Description: This shows the change in obesity percentages for each state from 1985 to 2007. The increase in obesity is shocking. * Rating: Excellent * 7-Revolutions: Resources (food)

* Originally released November 2006 * Running time: 96 minutes * Description: Former Vice President Al Gore presents a compelling look at the state of global warming in the fascinating and startling documentary. Director Davis Guggenheim eloquently weaves the science of global warming with Al Gore's personal history and lifelong commitment to reversing the effects of global climate change in the most talked-about documentary of the year. An audience and critical favorite, An Inconvenient Truth makes the compelling case that global warming is real, man-made, and its effects will be cataclysmic if we don't act now. Gore presents a wide array of facts and information in a thoughtful and compelling way: often humorous, frequently emotional, always fascinating. In the end, An Inconvenient Truth accomplishes what all great films should: it leaves the viewer shaken, involved and inspired. Description from http://www.climatecrisis.net/aboutthedvd/ and from amazon.com, where it is available for $16 * Rating: excellent; used inside and outside class; directly related to climate change topic within "resource management" revolution

* Released December 2008 * Running time: 84 minutes * Description: This is a powerful documentary of the current state of freshwater ownership, privatization and distribution around the world. The film discusses the conflict between "predatory" corporations and engaged citizens over water rights and usage. For example, it discusses how companies like Coke and Pepsi use of water in India and Nestles use of water in Michigan for bottled water. This film also documents water wars in Bolivia, privatization in Africa, and issues of pollution of freshwater around the world. It promotes lively and emotional discussion in class. * Rating: Excellent * 7-Revolutions Section: Resources, Technology, Economics, Conflict.