New World Order What the

New World Order What the Phrase 'New World Order' Signifies Today The term "New World Order" was first used by then-President George H.W. Bush and his peers in the early 1990's, to describe new alignments of power after Communism's initial collapse in 1991.

After Soviet-style Communism died in Eastern Europe (it is still alive and well today, in China, and other small pockets of the world) the 'New World Order' no longer featured, as its central focus, perpetual uneasiness between the two superpowers, United States and the Soviet Union (now called Russia), and their respective allies.

Now, however, at the dawn of the 21st century, the 'New World Order' features other power blocs, some the same or similar along Communist/Non-Communist lines (e.g., the United States; China), others brand new in terms of their present and likely future dominating influences (e.g., various parts of the Islamic world, like Saudi Arabia and Iran).

The impact of the technological revolution (that is, the Internet, e-mail, web sites, etc.) has brought various areas of the world together at least in cyberspace, and perhaps also in a psychological and/or symbolic sense. Moreover, global corporations increasingly bridge the gaps among nations, by establishing business locations throughout the world. In fact, the New World Order is one in which trans-global corporate power is, in and of itself, a "player" like never before.

From a "global perspective" the roles the U.S., China, France, Russia, and Britain should play first and foremost should be to endeavor, together, to fight terrorism in ways constructive for all, so that the type of religious war, between Islamic and non-Islamic, that seems certain, now, to eventually happen, might instead be avoided. The United States, however, also needs to step back and stop coercing other countries (e.g., France; Great Britain, Germany) to engage, along with itself, in its war on terrorism.

Most other countries in the world currently feel extremely alienated from and hostile toward the United States. In my own view, within today's new World Order, the United States needs to become more of an ally to other countries, and less of an international bully. As Kissinger (November 8, 2004) similarly observes: Today the U.S. acts as the trustee of global stability, while domestic obstacles prevent the admission -- and perhaps even the recognition -- of these realities in many countries. But such a one-sided arrangement cannot continue much longer.

Other nations should find it in their interest to participate at least in the tasks of political and economic reconstruction. There is no shortcut around the next steps: the restoration of security in Iraq, especially in areas that have become terrorist sanctuaries, is imperative. No guerrilla war can be won if sanctuaries for insurgents are tolerated. After Sept. 11, 2001, global terrorism, and in particular, fear of possible future Islamic terrorism in.