The World On 1/20/09

With Barack Obama in the White House, and the new Cabinet quickly forming, we can begin to catch a glimpse of the Next World Order.

International Relations: Obama will lead with a more conservative - even humble - foreign policy. Relations with Russia are already warming up, and his willingness to talk it out should hopefully calm things down a bit in the Middle East. While Islamic extremism will remain a major force to be reckoned with, we’ll at least reclaim some international good will lost during the Bush administration.

Globalization & U.S. Trade Deficit: Despite his trade-protectionist leanings, Obama will remain sensitive to the needs of emerging and developing economies. Global commerce is long overdue for a more progressive and far-reaching fair-trade policy. The essential formula has always been there, although we’re still a long way off.

Prosperity & Opportunity = Peace.

Environment & Energy: There are now at least FIVE issues influencing the shift to clean energy:

• Global warming, climate change & pollution
• The inevitable return of high oil prices
• The potential for wind and solar infrastructure to create tens of thousands of new jobs, while reducing the trade deficit
• International tensions are tied directly to oil reserves
• Ethics and religious values are connecting directly with the green movement and the wisdom of sustainable living