An Unpredictable Age
We live in an unpredictable age. The twenty-first century has brought us many disturbing developments. From 9/11 and fundamentalist terrorism, to Ebola and pandemics that can barely be controlled, financial collapses, a volatile economic climate, and war, this new century has brought may new challenges and is characterized by uncertainty.
In some ways, these are the same things that have worried people in the past. However, what makes these new challenges more disturbing than those before, is that we live in a truly global society. The terrorism is not confined to one part of the world, it can easily strike anywhere on the planet. Diseases can not be confined to any one location, once they are exposed to an international airport hub, they are spread to all parts of the globe. Financial problems in one region rapidly infest the rest of the world.
Globalization has allowed us to enjoy all the good things the world, but it has also exposed us to all the risks. We can no longer feel secure and insulated in our state or community. There is nothing national borders or the state can do to protect us.