Kim Sang-woo
The world is undeniably in crisis. Yet crises can be catalysts for either rapid decline or significant improvement.
Optimism must be tempered with realism. The global landscape is indeed transforming, but many cling to old patterns of thought. The West often views international relations through a rather simplistic concept of “democracy versus autocracy.”
Today’s “axis of evil” from the Western perspective is led by China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. The West wants the Global South to take its side. But, for the most part, with some exceptions, this does not appear to be the case. The concept of a rules-based world order is being contested.
World leaders should take realism more seriously and cast a more skeptical eye on any ideology that claims to have found the key to ending all wars.
Realism encourages humility. It acknowledges human fallibility, the dangers of unchecked powers, the limits of reason, and the ease with which the strong and privileged become arrogant and overconfident. It recognizes the unavoidable uncertainty that plagues political life and the tragic elements that are an inescapable part of human existence.
Political realism depicts a world that is rarely black or white but mostly contains many shades of grey, a world where unintended consequences abound and success today plants the seed for tomorrow’s troubles.
Appealing to our common humanity will not bring the world closer to peace. Humans are social animals with........