The time has come to choose a new direction of global development, to opt for a new civilization

The time has come to choose a new direction of global development, to opt for a new civilization

Mikhail Gorbachev, the former leader of the Soviet Union, is known for his role in bringing about significant changes in global politics during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) helped to usher in a new era of political and social change in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. However, Gorbachev's vision for a new direction of global development went beyond just political reforms; he also called for a new civilization based on cooperation, peace, and sustainability.

Gorbachev believed that the time had come for humanity to choose a new direction of global development, one that prioritized the well-being of people and the planet over narrow national interests. He argued that the old ways of thinking and acting, which had led to conflict, inequality, and environmental degradation, were no longer sustainable in a rapidly changing world. Instead, he called for a new civilization based on values of solidarity, democracy, and respect for nature.

Gorbachev's vision for a new civilization was rooted in his belief that the challenges facing humanity – from climate change to nuclear proliferation – could only be addressed through collective action and cooperation. He saw the need for a new global ethic that transcended traditional boundaries and divisions, and that recognized the interconnectedness of all people and the planet. In his view, the pursuit of narrow self-interest at the expense of others was not only morally wrong but also ultimately self-defeating.

Gorbachev's call for a new civilization resonates strongly today, as the world grapples with pressing issues such as climate change, inequality, and political instability. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for greater international cooperation and solidarity in addressing global challenges, and has underscored the importance of building a more just and sustainable world for future generations.