Seems like recent lunches with friends have become more serious lately. Maybe that\u2019s because it’s getting harder to laugh at most of what goes on anymore. Generally speaking, the news is depressing \u2014 not only the US news, but the world news, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yesterday, my friend, that I was having lunch with, said that he thought the US had become a rogue country, and maybe the entire world had become a rogue world. Even though that statement seemed a little harsh, I kind of tended to agree with him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Anyhow, last night over a a glass or two, or three, of wine I gave the subject some serious thought. It certainly seems like the world has become more unpredictable, lawless, and more defiant of norms or rules. I didn\u2019t do much extensive research, but I\u2019m pretty sure that many countries are more and more ignoring norms or conventions or institutions. If you think about it, Russia\u2019s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was a clear break from post-World War II rules against aggressive war. Even though global sanctions are in place, North Korea continues missile tests and nuclear development. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So it appears that there has been a noticeable decline in respect for international agreements and alliances. Trade wars and treaty withdrawals have certainly changed complexion of global cooperation.
Countries like Turkey, Hungary and some others have moved toward more authoritarian styles of government, and our leaders are consolidating power, stifling opposition, and ignoring democratic checks and balances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On a social level, there\u2019s a growing distrust of institutions, experts, and traditional authorities. Social medial has empowered individual voices \u2014 maybe sometimes for good, but often promoting extremism. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019m old enough to realize that history has always had its share of chaos \u2014 world wars, colonial exploitation, cold war brinkmanship, and so on. But the difference today might be the speed and visibility of these actions and events \u2014 probably thanks to digital media. There\u2019s a sense that global order is unraveling faster than ever before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So \u2014 I think my friend is right. The world does feel, and behave, more \u201crogue\u201d in many ways. It seems more fractured, less rule-bound, and more unstable. But maybe our perception is just intensified by modern technology and global interconnectedness.
I think I may have to start doubling up on lunchtime wine\u2026\u2026
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Seems like recent lunches with friends have become more serious lately. Maybe that\u2019s because it’s getting harder to laugh at most of what goes on anymore. Generally speaking, the news is depressing \u2014 not only the US news, but the … Continue reading