Edgardo Mocca takes advantage of the most recent meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Havana to reflect on the necessities of global democracy, and on the very real possibility that NAM‘s influence as a global voice may not have the same importance as it did during the Cold War. Mocca gives important ideas on how NAM can renew its strength by taking on a realistic and pragmatic series of goals to give it meaning and importance.

Pedro G. Cavallero discusses Venezuela‘s candidacy to replace Argentina as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council. Under the leadership of Hugo Chávez, Venezuela‘s foreign policy has become erratic. Chávez has allied himself with Iran and supported its bid for nuclear weapons, and if elected to such an important position in the Security Council could destabilize the Middle East. In Cavallero‘s opinion, another state must be chosen, capable of playing a constructive role in the United Nations.

Bernardo Kliksberg comments on the recent mega-donation of guru of finance Warren Buffet of over 85 per cent of his fortune to humanitarian causes, and of Bill Gates‘ decision to leave his company and dedicate himself fulltime to his foundation. Kliksberg believes that it is no coincidence that the most successful businessmen of our time are fighting to uphold corporate responsibility. These leaders are giving a message for all businessmen to be conscientious of their place in the world, and of the impact that their actions have upon others. And while Buffet and Gates cannot change the world with one decision, they can begin to make a difference in the lives of many people.

Pedro G. Cavallero sheds light on the mistreatment and under representation of minorities in government throughout Europe. In Cavallero‘s opinion the recent riots in France are simply the beginning of what promises to be a massive immigrant outcry for change, integration, and recognition in European societies. The problem of immigration will not go away by ignoring it. Europe must accept its loss of homogeneity, recognize the importance of immigration, and give voices to its immigrants. Only then can Europe move forward, creating more open and tolerant societies.

Juan Tokatlian explains how the United States has increasingly practiced policies of unilateralism and aggression, ignored international protocols, and responsibilities, and set its own goals above those of the global community. Because the rest of the world cannot ignore Washington‘s international influence, the best response to the country’s increasingly belligerent foreign policy would be to involve Washington more in nation building, and to promote and defend international interests. Yet, while the US remains resolved to hold its course, the rest of the world need not sit by and allow itself to be intimidated. The battle against world problems such as poverty, the abuse of human rights, the destruction of the environment, the abuse of drugs, the proliferation of nuclear weapons, AIDS, and wide-spread corruption, can be fought without the United States. In the end, multilateral solutions can prevail over unilateral interests.

By Arshin Adib-Moghaddam (for Safe Democracy)

Arshin Adid-Moghaddam explains how a common ignorance and stereotyping of Islam has led to strained relations between the Muslim and Judeo-Christian world. These misinformed views place blame inaccurately on the teachings of the Qu’ran, and lack a complete understanding of the variety of factors that influence modern day Islam, perpetuating what Adid-Moghaddam refers to as a belief in nihilistic terrorism. It is increasingly difficult to ignore the fact that throughout Europe and the wider Western world, Islam is being turned into a police matter. Western governments are increasingly calling for new policies in order to manage the growing threat to social order that Islam appears to present.

Bernardo Kliksberg analyzes the importance of corporate responsibility and how ethical conduct in businesses and corporations allows everyone to win: both the society, and the businesses themselves. Kliksberg points out which countries are the most advanced in corporate responsibility, discusses how companies are competing to lead the fight for ethical business, and explains why, thanks to growing social pressure from investors and consumers, corporate responsibility has won the battle of ideas in today’s world of globalization. Far from being a passing fad, social responsibility appears to be here to stay.

Abduljalil Sajid considers how principles of democracy as a government form embody ideals most in line with Muslim belief, though not explicitedly stated in the Qu´ran. Sajid identifies the three most central ideals to islamic belief: pursuing justice, establishing a non-autocratic governance, and institutionalising compassion. Therefore, adherance to a government most in line with these principles, in Imam Sajidi‘s opinion, subscribes to faith in democracy.