In Central America the Cold War support of the elites by the United States was designed to ward off the communist threat. At the same time social and economic demands by the working and middle classes created revolutionary movements in the face of rigid and violent responses by Central American governments. Issues of social justice pervaded the…

On October 7-8, 1996, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund joined with the World Bank to host a gathering of foundation executives, leaders of major humanitarian and environmental nongovernmental organizations, and officers of large multilateral institutions. The meeting was entitled "Building a Constituency for Global Interdependence," and its…

Summarizes the proposed New International Economic Order, tracing its origins and interpretations. Examines options available for different groups of developing countries and for certain industrialized states and explores avenues for furthering common interests, countering hidden biases, and avoiding conflicts. (RH)

Articles representing two views on the issue of rapid population growth and economic development are presented. Although the authors present different perspectives, they agree on many of the fundamentals. For example, both reject alarmism about impending "population explosions" and the use of population as a scapegoat for all Third World…

Examines how multinational corporations, international institutions, and banks affect global economic development. It is argued that multinational corporations are acquiring increasing amounts of noneconomic control of developing countries by encouraging their financial and economic dependence. (AM)

Acknowledging global interdependence, especially in economics, may be the most important step toward resolving international conflicts. Describes seven major global dangers and gives scenarios for exploring likely global futures. As "tools of prescription" these global models are inadequate, but as "tools of analysis" they have…

Examines the role of the mass media in the issues debated in the Brandt report, a document prepared in England which advocates economic interdependence between developing and developed nations. In addition to informing the public, the media should play a supporting role in development education in schools and colleges. (JJD)

Worldwide economic problems must not be allowed to disrupt international trade. Specifically discussed are the long-run trends in U.S. competitiveness, financial developments and their effects on trade and the international debt problem. (RM)

Although the number of people in developing nations who are too poor to provide themselves with an adequate diet is rising, this is not reason to assume that such poverty is inevitable. Strategies that foster economic growth and include poor people in the growth process can be found in countries with such diverse political and economic systems as…

Drawing on recent analyses carried out around the world, this paper demonstrates how economic and military insecurity feed on each other in various ways at both national and international levels. Following an introduction, material is presented in three parts. "The Military Sector and the Economy" outlines facts to demonstrate how…

A brief report traces some important connections between the central choices facing Canada and the three quarters of the world's population that live in the developing regions of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Specific aspects of Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney's governmental policy are examined. The following topics are considered:…

Discusses conditions in the Third World which prevent the development of a harmonious world society. The effects of nationalism, nuclear proliferation, racism, political and economic inequities, and social and religious conservatism on the growth of a global outlook are considered. (AM)

Because evidence is clear that in many developing countries development will be postponed indefinitely unless slower population growth can be achieved soon, the international community must work together in a renewed effort to slow population growth. Assistance can be accomplished in three ways: (1) encouraging dialog aimed at forging…

Reviews the historical and cultural roots of the South African system of apartheid. Covers early Dutch settlement, the Anglo-Boer War, the Native Land Act of 1913, and the rise of the National Party. Concludes with a discussion of the different perspectives held by black and white South Africans on the "progress" made in recent years.…

Describes the striking dichotomy of South Africa's beauty and the squalor resulting from the apartheid policies of the government. Reviews reactions of black South Africans to recent constitutional changes and details efforts to secure more sweeping reform. Includes stories of several individuals who have taken actions which oppose the system of…