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Global interaction during the 19th and 20th centuries is examined by using an historical dialectic approach. Intervention is suggested in world affairs that will promote cooperation between developing and industrialized nations. The dialectical approach maintains that the status quo is constantly moving toward upheaval as a result of pressure for change emanating from inside the system. The author maintains that developing nations are exerting pressure on the western-dominated social system through demands for reform based on national sovereignity and autonomy. The hypothesis is that this western domination of global political, economic, cultural, and ideological affairs over the past several centuries has deprived people in developing nations of freedom and dignity. This domination is interpreted to have taken various forms including economic imperialism, political subjugation, and global management through cooperation among western nations. People interested in rectifying western domination should identify specific issues around which intervention can be initiated (such as development, peace, anti-militarism), envision desired future developments (such as socialist transformation), conceive relevant strategies for moving toward the envisioned future (such as international economic participation), and generate the necessary interventions from a variety of locations and in a variety of ways (such as encouraging countries to support international order). (DB)

Stressing the global dimension to the adversary relationship between economic development and environmental conservation, this monograph examines the philosophical, historical, cultural, and ethnic underpinnings of modern science and technology. In addition, the monograph spells out policy implications of an alternative concept of development and technology in which development, science, life-styles, and environment merge in a symbiotic relationship. The hypothesis is that industrialization has subverted its original purpose of liberating people and has resulted, instead, in a flow of resources away from poverty stricken non-industrialized countries into industrialized countries sporting increasingly wasteful life-styles. The document is one in a series of working papers intended to stimulate research, education, dialogue, and political action which will contribute to a more just world order. The philosophical premise of industrialization--that development would result in unending progress and abundance for all--has not been born out by abundant historical evidence that the economic gap dividing the rich from the poor countries is constantly increasing. Further, the fact that the wealthier nations are predominantly Western and the poorer nations are located in non-Western regions has contributed to a variety of economic, military, and international trade conflicts. The understanding that modern technology is rapidly destroying nature and leading mankind to scarcity once again has only recently begun to be realized. The conclusion is that the development/conservation dilemma as well as the inequality between developed and developing nations will be solved if nations are willing to think in terms of a world order which encourages equity and participation of people from all nations in economic and political processes. (DB)