The Global Race: A World where we can all be Winners

Paul Polman, CEO of Unilever says 'The Global Race' gives “a timely and thought provoking reminder that at the heart of the challenges we face today is a crisis of Global governance".

Mark Goldring, Chief executive of Oxfam: “Robert P Bruce offers a wide ranging and passionate insight into how we can better 'Think Globally, Plan Nationally, and Act Locally' to build a fairer world, fit for future generations.”

With each new international crisis it becomes more obvious that national governments can no longer control the impact of World events on our daily lives. The greatest threats we face today are increasingly Global, and we will only be able to deal with them effectively once we can expand our thinking beyond outdated models of nationalism. For too long our progress has depended on exploitation of others, infringement of human rights, and selfish consumption of our Planet's non-renewable resources. Globalisation has brought substantial benefits for some, but it has also increased inequality, and encouraged a “race to the bottom” caused by competition between nations in a World without any effective Global regulation.

To deal with growing threats of environmental pollution, war and violence, infectious disease, and rising inequality, we must we must establish a new consensus for Global economic cooperation. This new Worldwide community must be based, not on ambitions for political union, but on strong national governments that co-ordinate their economic policies for the benefit of all. The most urgent question we face today is how to build a World which is no longer based on the politics of “them and us” but recognises instead the reality, that there is only one “us”.

'The Global Race' explains the new context created by our accelerating technical progress and rapid Globalisation. It recommends actions ranging from improved standards of education, healthcare and local government, to changes which will improve international relations and promote sustainable economic growth.

The author makes a compelling case for Global cooperation, which will appeal to readers of every political persuasion:

The moral case emphasises key steps that can end the misery caused by abuse of human rights, extreme poverty, and violent conflicts around the World.

Self preservation demands that we act to prevent Global warming, international terrorism, and outbreaks of infectious disease, which today threaten the lives of rich and poor alike.

Finally, by working together we can create unprecedented economic opportunities in a single regulated Global market. By 2050 this will extend the benefits of economic progress to over 9 billion people, bringing greater security for international investors, and a 'level playing field' for business and enterprise in the Global marketplace.

Whatever our motivations, the case for working together is now overwhelming. For the first time in our history, international co-operation is now in the selfish interests of all people around the World, whether we are rich or poor, and wherever we may live.

“International business and financial markets have now become so powerful, that they are beyond the effective control of any national government.”

“The implementation of a Global tax on fossil fuels, is the single most important and urgent challenge facing the human race.”

“Universal access to healthcare across the World must come to be seen as a basic human right for the new Global generation.”

“We have to work towards a World in which we are not only confident and relaxed 'in our own skin', but can equally respect the values and beliefs of others."

“We should celebrate the European Union as undeniable proof that permanent peace and prosperity between rival nations is possible.”

“The opportunity has finally come to our generation, to build a World where we can all be winners."

Note: 25% of net proceeds from this book will be donated to charities fighting extre