GTI Perspectives on Critical Issues
GTI Perspectives assess pressing near-term policy questions with the long-term goal of a Great Transition as our frame of reference. These briefs reflect a broad consensus of the GTI Network. Explore joining the GTI Network
We the People of Earth: Toward global democracy
We confront daunting twenty-first century challenges hobbled by twentieth century institutions. In a world ever more interdependent, deepening global-scale risks -- climate change, financial instability, terrorism, to name a few -- threaten the planetary commonweal, even the continuity of civilization. Yet coherent and timely responses lie beyond the grasp of our myopic and disputatious state-centric political order. Closing this perilous gap between obsolete geo-politics and emerging geo-realities delineates an urgent political endeavor: constructing a legitimate and effective system of world governance. Key steps on that path involve reforming the United Nations and nurturing new venues for the meaningful exercise of global citizenship. FULL REPORT
Nuclear Power: Should it have a role?
Adequate mitigation of the risks of climate change requires rapid displacement of fossil fuels with carbon-free energy sources. This imperative has prompted a growing chorus of energy analysts, policy makers, and industry advocates to press for a resurgence of nuclear energy. Even some environmentalists are urging reconsideration of the nuclear option, so long anathema to their own movement. Yet, with critical problems unsolved -- safety and cost, waste storage, and nuclear weapons proliferation -- nuclear power remains a deeply problematic response to the climate challenge, and to the wider challenge of global sustainability. Therefore, the transformative energy strategy of a Great Transition relies on three major prongs: renewable resources, deep efficiency, and a model of development based on environment-sparing consumption and production patterns. FULL REPORT
The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Overcoming the impasse
The long-playing tragedy of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict spreads ripples of antagonism across the world stage. For the sake of the people of that troubled land and the larger project of creating a civilized global future, it must be resolved. Despite the legacy of violence and enmity, a vision of two independent and cooperative states remains feasible. A new process of negotiation and cooperation can establish the political foundations and encourage the mutual trust needed for reconciliation and sustained peace. Keys to success include sound strategic-principles, appropriate external actors, and a multi-prong action agenda along the lines proposed here. FULL REPORT
World Trade: A new direction
Global trade negotiations are moribund, with the World Trade Organization’s agenda stalled and the neo-liberal ideology it serves confronted by a rising chorus of criticism. The trading system, built on the premise that promoting commercial interests necessarily advances the general interest, instead has fed a multi-faceted planetary crisis. At this juncture, trade policy must find a new way forward. The key to this change lies in reversing the priority that in the past made free trade an end in itself, thereby consigning the larger goal of sustainable development to an afterthought. From now on, economic, social, and environmental sustainability goals should set the criteria for designing and applying multilateral trade rules. We suggest concrete steps to help transform the WTO from an agent of privilege and profit into a force for an equitable, peaceful, and resilient world. FULL REPORT
Forthcoming
Global Food: The triple imperative
When the World Rules Corporations: Time for global charters
Climate and Equity: The pivot of sustainable development
Abolishing Nuclear Weapons: The path to zero