Development continues to be a struggle for so–called Third World countries. Sadly, failed struggles with development are now taking a heavy toll on developing and developed countries alike. Take the worldwide refuge crisis for example. The problem is snowballing and, in consequence, the world now is grappling with disturbing humanitarian crisis.
Wars and sporadic terrorist attacks, as well as unprovoked streets and homes shootings and killings of people are the order of the day. These are typical of the causes of the crisis in both developed and developing countries. Desperate political manoeuvrings and leadership tussle don’t help matters. Strange happenings across the world seem like a bad omen and one cannot but worry for the plight of the masses. I mean the plight of humans on the lowliest rung of life who bear the brunt of social change conflicts.
What one sees today around the world are an aberration, fallout of unfair order, and a threat to everybody everywhere. They are arguably the realities and echoes of “The Brave New World” – as conceptualised by twelfth century British writer, Aldous Huxley, under the auspices of Shakespeare’s play “Tempest.” Yes, several countries have achieved development. However, in the immortal words of literary icon, Chinua Achebe, they now are “no longer at ease.” Well, that’s development for you! The Brave New World! How it plays itself out. Development gives meaning to life and at the same time abstracts a measure of security and freedom from society. These should be a real cause for concern for world leaders.
The reason for concern is simple. Developing countries cannot move forward – neither can developed countries sustain assistance to them – in the face of mounting crisis. I mean crisis compounded of a web of international socio–economic and political intrigues and manoeuvrings. The need for world peace and order as a condition for social change cannot be overemphasised. I need not belabour the point.
World leaders should embrace and work for peace as a deliberate effort to mitigate the unfolding challenges of "The Brave New World." Thoughts on evolving perspectives on this subject feature in Open Insights and Voice™ blog (www.leonardonyiriuba.com)