Identification and the postwar world

War can be overcome only when individuals identify themselves with supra-national groups more strongly than with mutually exclusive, competing national groups. Identification with a world federation will be enhanced if all people possess (1) common features (a world language and basic common education in world problems); (2) common rituals and symbols (flag, world anthem, common currency and postage); (3) common goals (better distribution of goods, avoidance of war and famine); (4) symbols of home, family, and local groups in the world government; (5) common enemies (disturbers of the peace) and an efficient police force combining the romantic appeal of the Northwest Mounted and the Red Cross. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)