Industrialization expanded into Asia over many decades after beginning in Europe.
As a result, Asians have shifted from their traditional working and life styles to Western styles. Many Asian countries, such as Taiwan, South Korea and Japan, have become industrial societies, and traditional working methods have been abandoned.
British journalist Gideon Rachman writes in his 2017 book Easternization: Asia’s Rise and America’s Decline from Obama to Trump and Beyond that Asian countries are growing in wealth and power, while those of Western countries are declining.
Therefore, many people question where the center of global power will be in the 21st century, Rachman writes.
The growing power of populous Asian countries such as China and India are increasingly influencing the lives of people around the world.
However, the important issues for the 21st century are not only on the growing power of Eastern countries, but also other critical issues that affect the survival of the humanity, such as climate change and sustainable development.
The term “sustainable development” was in 1987 defined by the UN as “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”
The influence of Westernization throughout the world means that people’s lifestyles rely on excessive consumption and that the world’s natural resources are strained. This could thwart the ability of future generations to use or consume natural resources. Wars, whether internally or between countries, have negative effects on the lives of people and environments.
The focus on “power over others” might need to shift to “relations with each other” to protect the planet and the survival of humanity. All nations should seek the means needed to save the world instead of fighting each other. This is because a changing environment in one country can affect other parts of the world.
The collaboration between countries is necessary for creating and implementing good strategies to prevent the end of the world. They must ensure that their policies and practices do not harm global society.
The best practices in dealing with climate change and achieving sustainable development should be shared among countries within their region and beyond.
Phathara-on Wesarat is head of the Bachelor of Business Administration Program in the faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Prince of Songkla University in Thailand.
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