The new world order and the Left

Abstract

I should like in this talk to discuss where the Left stands in relation to the so-called new world order. The idea of a new world order has been widely ridiculed, rightly so if it is taken to mean the coming into being of a new era of peace and prosperity. In a different sense, however, there does exist a world order, which is not new, but which does have some significant new features, stemming from the desintegration of the Soviet Union. I must warn you that the first part of my talk paints a rather depressing picture of this world order, at least from the perspective of the Left; but this cannot be helped if one is to be realistic. I will however want to bring in some more cheerful perspectives in the latter part of my talk, and to suggest that the gloom and demoralization which is so common on the Left is greatly exaggerated.