We denizens of the early 21st century cling to a leftover notion that anything “global” is remote, abstract. That’s no longer true. A global problem is everyone’s problem, often in intimate ways. Chinese germs multiply in American bloodstreams. Colombian narcoterrorists maintain branch offices in every major US city. There’s only one atmosphere, and no pulldown menu for selecting a new one.
American bombs and satellites are impressive, but they can’t stop SARS, AIDS, or drug-resistant TB. European regulations and good intentions can’t manage dwindling fishing stocks, water shortages, or climate change. Asian hard work and community values barely dent the global trade in drugs, arms, and humans. Vast tracts of the developing world are no longer developing at all but visibly and violently decaying.
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