For people involved in international affairs, as most readers of Diplomat Magazine presumably are, 2016 was a bad year. In many countries politicians came to the fore that excelled in denigrating other nations and other cultures. Showing disrespect for people that are different and encouraging fear of them proved to be an effective way to attract votes.
In response, established parties often felt forced to support short-sighted selfish policies, rather than to do what would be in the best interest of their country.
As many governments shy away from their common responsibility for our planet, the world moves into a new year without obvious leaders and without a clear direction.
But not all is gloom. The present situation also provides new opportunities. For many years the countries of Western Europe and the United States played a leading role in the world, partly because of their economic and military power, but increasingly by the power of their ideas and the power of their example. But now most of these countries seem no longer able or willing to provide leadership. So which country dares to take up this challenge? Will China set the example for a responsible environmental policy? Will Indonesia become the showcase of a country where Muslims and Christians live harmoniously together?
There are also vacancies for politicians that dare to develop a vision that goes beyond the next election. The more politicians try to please their voters by posing as short-sighted nationalists, the more politicians that dare to tell the truth are needed.
There are also new opportunities for local authorities. When national governments forsake their duty to promote the long-term interests of a country, local governments are challenged to show that they can do better. California might set an example.
As far as environmental and social responsibility are concerned, commercial companies used to follow the rules set by governments. But if governmental leadership is lacking, companies are challenged to show that long-term profitability and responsibility can go hand in hand.
In short: a failure of governments to address the great challenges of our times, provides a challenge and an opportunity for companies, local authorities, civil society organisations and individual people to show that they can do better.
Finally, not all the trends are negative. Some are very positive indeed. To know more: test yourself. It takes only about three minutes. (The Tedtalks in the article are also worthwhile, but they take more time.)