A year marked by the return of warfare on European soil has cast doubt on the ability of
world leaders to prevent global instability and growing inequalities.
In the presence of blatant violations of international laws, it is all too easy to call attention to
the fiasco of peacemaking institutions. Yet the shortcomings of diplomacy demand a radical
system change, bringing forth reforms that align the various vested interests.
However, this configuration does not seem to be shared by today’s world leaders. That is
why it is my firm belief that only a new generation of politicians could break the gridlock. To
bring back sustainable peace require innovative solutions. Doing business as usual is bound
to fail in addressing the complex issues of climate change, increasing poverty, and armed
conflict. Only a new class of courageous, innovative, and ethical leaders can rise up to these
challenges.
I have seen a building momentum in Europe, the United States, Africa, and other places
where my work has taken me to, to include new and marginalized voices in decision-making
positions. Political leadership incubators, that is, organizations supporting activists and
community leaders to become active politicians, are a source of hope for anyone believing
that a better and more conscientious leadership is needed to address today’s mounting
challenges. Also, urgently needed is a political philosophy that turns frustration into
productive political power.
Because the return of peacemaking diplomacy in 2023 seems akin to wishful thinking in
today’s gloomy context, investing in new political leaders is the surest path to see this wish
come true.

Invited to contribute to Project Syndicate’s PS Quarterly magazine, The Year Ahead 2023, I have written this short piece to offer my perspectives on the past year and the one that awaits us, and propose ways to ensure that today’s discord and disintegration does not end in despair.. The magazine reflects on the grim and grisly returns of 2022: the return of major war – and nuclear brinkmanship – to Europe; the return of high inflation and the threat of stagflation globally; and the return of famine, increased poverty, and other problems against which the developing world had been making steady progress.

My contribution  responded to the following proposition: “After a year marked by war, peacemaking and diplomacy will stage a recovery in 2023. Agree or disagree, and why?” 

Posted in:

https://www.project-syndicate.org/magazine/a-diplomatic-winter-2022-12?barrier=accesspaylog