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Cadmus is a journal for fresh thinking and new perspectives that integrate knowledge from all fields of science, art and humanities to address real-life issues, inform policy and decision-making, and enhance our collective response to the challenges and opportunities facing the world today.
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The Globethics library contains articles of Cadmus as of vol. 1(2010) to current.
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The Playbook of Russian Military Actions: Eurasianism and National MessianismHow is it ever possible to experience such a cruel war in Europe? Why has Ukraine been attacked by Russia? What are the credible details? Why did international institutions fail to prevent tensions from becoming cruel? What are the sociocultural roots and the underlying paradigms of this conflict? To what extent was it planned? Based on over a hundred concrete press references, this article answers these questions as much as possible and suggests a way out in a brief concluding fourth section. Apart from encouraging individual responsibility (single soldiers or commanders) and national responsibility (generating paradigms and narratives of collective identities), it is useful to perceive a level of planetary responsibility that cares for effective in-time rescue in derailed disastrous situations, namely when institutions and procedures fail to keep peace. UN bodies and OSCE exist but have not been fully effective. The article thus calls for effective functioning of systems at the individual, national and global levels. Editor’s Note: The views expressed in this article represent the personal views of its author, rather than the official position of the World Academy of Art and Science.
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What to do about the Persistence of Inequality?The focus of this paper is income inequality and, more pointedly, its persistence throughout generations. In the spirit of Atkinson (2014, 2015) and Roemer (1998), we take a normative stand and make concrete proposals to combat the persistence of inequality. In the view presented here, those inequalities derive, to an important extent, from inequalities in opportunities, themselves arising from “abnormal” differences in human capital endowments. The proposal developed in the paper relies on financial markets to complement extant government transfer programs and open universal access to services required for the formation of human capital.
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The Roots of Human InsecurityWhat follows are notes attempting to place into context the current discussion on Human (In)Security with special attention to the case of Brazil. In this article, we will observe that insecurity has been the norm since pre-historic times. We will also observe that the uncertainties associated with this insecurity have been the engine for the development of social institutions, of technologies, and of sets of beliefs of human societies. It will also explore how this creative process engendered new sources of uncertainty and insecurity in such a way that the world, as if playing a multistage game, never ceases to encounter new challenges, eventually reaching the current situation where we face a complex of crises, some of them threatening our very existence as a species. After this exposé of human security in general, we turn our attention to peripheral countries. Inequalities among nations have prevented peripheral countries from developing civilizational tools of the same quality as those of core countries. Peripheral countries are still confronting ancient challenges such as food insecurity and vulnerability to natural disasters. To the extent that their institutions and technologies are insufficient to meet them, they face the mistrust of populations in peripheral countries. The concluding remarks present the case of Brazil as an example of this situation.
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Future as Emergence: Paradigms, Patterns and ProcessesParadigms for creating Utopias based on “Human Agency” as the sole driving force, far from actually obtaining them, are the direct cause of the Mega Crises that threaten the very survival of humans as a species. This essay seeks to show that the survival of our species requires an orientation that Humans as “Active Walkers” are but one input to a complex interactive process in multiple dimensions that causes the future to emerge.
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Uncertainty: The New SituationIn this short article, the author will present his vision and concerns about some mega-processes that are already beginning to impact Latin America (and the World), which he believes will radically change the frame of reference for policies and development strategies in the region.
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Catalyzing Transformation: A Process Framework for Transformative System ChangeThis article offers a synthesized perspective on a future-oriented process for transformational change makers, here called transformation catalysts, to catalyze systemic change through processes of connecting, cohering, and amplifying the transformational change work of multiple initiatives in numerous social-ecological contexts. Oriented towards purposeful or deliberate system change towards just, equitable, inclusive, and thriving social-ecological systems, the outlined processes of connecting, cohering, and amplifying provide a template or framework for organizing co-creative approaches. This process brings multiple, typically independent individuals and initiatives into alignment, connecting them through shared understanding of the system and determining what is already happening and who is doing what through mapping key stakeholders and their activities. Through visioning and similar processes, transformation catalysts enable different actors to align and cohere their shared aspirations and develop joint and individual action plans in what can then emerge as a self-aware and potentially more effective transformation system comprised of these actors. The amplification process involves the implementation of planned actions, both independently and in concert with others, evaluating and learning from those processes, and adapting future efforts. The latter includes developing, if appropriate, additional transformational efforts and catalysts in different parts of the system to create ongoing momentum. The example of WE All, the Wellbeing Economy Alliance, with information drawn from the website, is used to illustrate these ideas.
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Time for a Peace OffensiveIn a world grappling with escalating conflicts and deep-rooted hostilities, the concept of a Peace Offensive emerges as a timely and innovative strategy for fostering global peace and security. Grounded in the principles of mutual concessions and strategic initiatives, the Peace Offensive advocates for phased, publicized actions aimed at reducing distrust, promoting cooperation, and paving the way for sustainable peace negotiations. By drawing from historical successes and strategic frameworks such as Graduated Reciprocation in Tension Reduction (GRIT), the article explores how unilateral concessions can serve as catalysts for meaningful dialogue and peace-building efforts. Through examples spanning from the Middle East to Europe, the importance of strategic unilateral actions, building trust, and breaking the cycle of violence is highlighted. A coordinated global Peace Offensive offers a transformative approach to conflict resolution, emphasizing the significance of creating opportunities for enduring peace through innovative and inclusive efforts.
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Seed Idea: The Crisis of Containment – Time for a New Approach?"Everyone wants the most murderous form of AI, the deadliest biotech or other weaponizable technology under their control —first before their opponents beat them to it. There is no scope for regulations in such a war; there is no time to apply a precautionary principle"
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Inside this IssuePart 2 of this issue of Cadmus is dedicated to exploring the multifaceted dynamics of social and economic development in the 21st century in the context of peace and human security for all. The concept of human security and well-being is central to our understanding of development. Beyond mere economic prosperity, true development encompasses the protection of human rights, the promotion of health and education, and the cultivation of inclusive and vibrant communities. By prioritizing the well-being of individuals and communities, we can create societies that are both prosperous and equitable. In an era marked by environmental degradation, resource depletion, and social inequality, the imperative to pursue sustainable development has never been more urgent. By adopting holistic approaches that balance economic growth with environmental stewardship and social equity, we can pave the way for a more just and resilient future. As we navigate through an era defined by rapid technological advancements, evolving governance structures, and complex global challenges, it is imperative that we identify the fundamental principles which underpin peace, human security and social development, like the principles applicable to the physical world. These principles govern the complex interplay between governance structures, economic systems, social dynamics and ecological processes, thereby determining the factors that accelerate and hinder social advancement. As societies evolve, so too must our systems and institutions adapt to meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. Embracing innovative approaches to governance, economics, and social organization is essential for fostering resilience and agility in the face of uncertainty. The 21st century offers unprecedented opportunities for innovation and progress. In the digital age, technology plays a central role in shaping the trajectory of human development. However, it is essential to ensure that technological advancements are leveraged responsibly and ethically, with a keen focus on promoting inclusivity and addressing systemic inequalities. By embracing a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to development, we must forge a path towards a more sustainable, resilient, and inclusive future for all. We hope the contents of this issue will inspire thought-provoking discussions and innovative solutions to the challenges facing our global community.
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Multiplicity: Threats, Partnerships, and Stories of SuccessThe article discusses the crucial concept of human security in the context of global challenges and multilateral efforts. It highlights the interconnectedness of sustainable development, security, and human rights, emphasizing the imperative for collaborative international actions. The evolution of human security from its origins in the 1994 UNDP Development Report to its current relevance, including the incorporation of technological security, is explored. The importance and impact of human security frameworks in addressing present threats and fostering public support for the Sustainable Development Goals are underlined, emphasizing the pivotal role of human security in shaping a more secure and sustainable future.
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Stop All Wars Now!As the interconnected wars in Africa, the Middle East and Ukraine are threatening the lives of millions and could even lead to the use of weapons of mass destruction, thus endangering the survival of human civilization, there is an urgent need for action. None of us can stop these wars alone, however, all of us together as citizens of Earth have the power to stop them. The enclosed appeal follows the spirit of the Russell-Einstein Manifesto from 1955. It appeals to all citizens of Earth to stop all aggressions and assure peace immediately.
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Seed Idea: Human Security – The Bedrock of Sustainable Development GoalsIn the grand tapestry of human history, we have woven remarkable achievements and innovations. Yet, there is a persistent thread of impermanence—our goals, once reached, often unravel over time. Why does this happen? Because we have overlooked the unyielding cornerstone: Human Security.
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Empowering Women to Save the World for the FutureOne of the most overlooked but significant phenomena in today’s world and the world of the future is that our future must be organised and shaped according to values. Women naturally hold the keys to implementing these values and should ideally be the caretakers of the future world. The masculine world of numbers and models based on past experience is inadequate to adapt to the profound changes that our world requires to save and protect it from the unfolding threats of multiple disasters. Values are the only true instruments that can steer the evolution of human societies towards harmony with both themselves and nature, ensuring human security for all. Eternal values are inherent to the feminine nature and form the foundation of a science of life. Given the limited time available to avert disasters, empowering women through majority politics is the only viable alternative to saving the world through the implementation of values in all political decisions. The execution of this strategy must be based on a war footing principle. The essential values to be implemented for Human Security for All are unity, harmony, and collaboration.
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Human Security – Multifaceted PhenomenonThis article explores the complex and multifaceted nature of human security, which extends beyond protection from military threats to encompass physical, food, health, financial, community, political, and environmental dimensions. It traces humanity’s historical challenges, including natural disasters, epidemics, and food shortages, and highlights how technological advancements since the Industrial Revolution have eased some threats to security while magnifying others. Colonialism, world wars, the development of nuclear weapons, the evolution of multilateral institutions, neoliberal economic policies, and globalization of trade and finance have also played dual roles. Human security also highlights the subjective factors, including perceptions and expectations of the future and changes in social values, which are ignored or undetected by objective measures. The article stresses the necessity of coordinated collective action to address the pressing human security challenges confronting humanity today, such as climate change and the need for a global cooperative security system to replace the prevailing competitive model. It calls for global acceptance of shared security responsibilities and collaboration to herald a safer, more secure world in the future.
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Effective People Centered Health Education for Human SecurityEverybody needs to wake up to the reality of the Anthropocene. At present, humanity appears ill equipped to cope effectively with the mounting problems that it has itself created; we urgently need to update and upgrade the way we educate and train people since, at present, their competences to see the problems we have created and find effective ways to cope with them are badly insufficient and/or obsolete. The scenarios on our planet are fast worsening, and to help people cope with the mounting emergencies, we need to help them rise to the challenge. We need to create a Marshall Plan of Competences, a new paradigm of education, equipping everybody with the needed competences in how we see, how we know, and how we correctly apply our knowledge. More than anything, we need to learn new ways of being.
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From US to Qatar University Teaching: Contextualized Knowledge Communication for Future EducationWhile the overall theme selected by the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS) for the 2023 6th Future Education Conference was that of Human Security, the particular panel* in which I contributed the presentation upon which this article is based focused more explicitly on Education and less obviously on Security, with a particular emphasis on experimental ways in which anthropology can contribute better to education. However, the link between anthropology and human security may not be immediately obvious. I contend that the very character of anthropology, being the study of humankind, cannot but be related to a notion labelled human security†, albeit such a relationship must be more clearly stated. Human Security Goals concern Humans, but the way by which Human Goals can be aligned to Humans needs to be specified. The most effective path, or bridge, towards such alignment would be one carved by anthropology that weaves the anthropological gaze and its iconic perspective, which requires immersion in and full engagement with people’s lives. It must be stressed, however, that anthropology does not stop with immersion and engagement but necessarily moves to analysis, which cumulatively produces knowledge that increases understanding of humans as a whole—in the sense of the German notion of Gestalt, that a whole is more than the sum of its parts. Anthropology is, after all, the study of humankind, its past, present, and future. It is, I contend, the physics of the human universe. Its building blocks, however, come from humans themselves, not their physical universe, their lives, their biology, their developmental history, or their shared cognitive ability. This article recounts two real-life cases of higher education classroom teaching for the purpose of seeking insights for future education, and clarifies what is meant by the phrase ‘anthropological gaze and perspective’.
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Peace: The Ultimate Condition and the Goal of Human SecurityIn the second decade of the 21st century, humanity again faces existential risks related to the risks of global wars. The collective decision to make wars obsolete (or not) will be the crucial choice that will determine our capacity to survive and thrive. Yet since the global security architecture has been established in the aftermath of World War 2, the notion of security and peace has greatly evolved. The proposal of the World Academy of Art and Science to evolve the concept of security as universal or human, should be connected to the reconceptualization of peace, which has to be seen as both the ultimate condition and the goal of human security policies. Based on the results of the Peaceful Futures project, three complementary types of peace—the absence of wars, the eradication of systemic violence, and the establishment of the collective state of harmonious being—are explored, and a comprehensive list of human security strategies is offered to attain these types of peace. The multidimensional approach to peace-making calls for multidimensional policies that can be structured along several action streams, including political, economic, socio-cultural, and technological, and the roadmap produced by the project offers a pathway to create a peace-based civilization in the next 50 years. Moving to peaceful futures is a complex and multifaceted process that will require collective learning and coevolution of many social institutions and communities in the decades to come. Coupled with the efforts of human security, it becomes a feasible journey.
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Against the Institution of WarAmong the topics discussed is the current crisis of civilization, to which the institution of war in an era of all-destroying thermonuclear weapons strongly contributes. Another issue that is discussed is the human emotional tendency that might be called “tribalism”. It is our tendency to be kind and altruistic towards members of our own group, and extremely hostile towards groups that are perceived to be competing with or threatening our own. Probably this tendency was built into the genes of our ancestors when they lived in small, genetically homogeneous tribes, competing for territory on the grasslands of Africa. Another important topic discussed is the need for effective and just global governance. It is argued that the United Nations should be strengthened by converting it into a federation, with a greatly increased income, and the power to make laws that are binding on individuals. The International Criminal Court, established by the Treaty of Rome, is discussed as an important first step towards individual accountability. It is my hope that this article will contribute to our understanding of Human Security.
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Towards Human Security through Personalized Trans-disciplinary Evolving Symbiotic Education Based on Cognitive Digital TwinsEducation has been evolving through a complicated roadmap to serve varying objectives from the understanding of the world we live in through training of servers of production lines, after the first industrial revolution (IR1) to other commercial targets throughout the next three industrial revolutions. With the current scientific and technological progress, human security and sustainability were expected to take care of themselves and evolve naturally. Not only they have not evolved, but the threats triggered by the developments in artificial intelligence (AI) tools alone are becoming existential. Our insensitivity and neglect of the ecosystem must now be transformed very urgently. Education is central to that transformation. The traditional uni-disciplinary one-size-fits-all approach to education appeared to have been sufficient through the first three industrial revolutions as it served the learners for a lifetime. However, it must evolve now into a multi- and trans-disciplinary collaborative model to cope with the exponential growth of knowledge and the complexities of our ecosystem stressed to the limit. One of the possible enablers of the transformation is the concept of cognitive digital twins (CDT) which is maturing due to the developments in high-performance computing and artificial intelligence. This paper addresses some aspects of this view.
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Creative Solutions for Human SecurityAs global threats to human security have expanded significantly in recent years, the reasons and opportunities for innovative technological and educational solutions are more abundant than ever in modern human history. In addition to significant environmental, social, and economic threats to sustainability, the COVID-19 epidemic depleted both health issues and economic situations due to the incompetent response of national and international authorities, which caused the economic crisis and rising poverty worldwide. With the world not yet having completely recovered from the epidemic, the war started in Europe with the Russian aggression on neighbouring Ukraine in an attempt to steal by force a large part of the territory of a neighbouring country in grave violation of international law. Despite such a serious international situation, the potential for technological and educational innovations for addressing human security is correspondingly rising. Global peace is the most important precondition for human security. We present innovative opportunities for establishing global peace and discouraging other dictatorships from potential aggressions against their neighbours. Likewise, opportunities for building peaceful, crime-free communities are presented. Human health is the next most important precondition for human security. Opportunities for creative solutions addressing potential future epidemics, and for innovative curing of the worst contemporary diseases are addressed. Innovative opportunities for improving environmental, social, and economic pillars of sustainability are also addressed. Among these opportunities, scientific research and education are the most promising areas of intervention for addressing human security needs and threats. Guidelines for the optimal use of these innovative solutions are also presented.