A Better World is Possible

A Better World is Possible

Author: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Publisher: UKM Press
ISBN: 9786294864733
Weight: 82 g
Pages: 34 pp
Year: 2025
Price: RM25

The world that we live in today faces at least three major areas which present challenges for the international community: geopolitics, economy and climate. We are entering a new era of major powers rivalry, called a condition of geopolitical recession. The relationship between major powers is marked by intensified conflict, increasing rivalries, rising insecurity, and growing mistrust. Furthermore, the world is not only grappling with geopolitical recession; we are all bracing for the spectre of a possible global economic recession. We are unexpectedly hit with multiple crises: from a resurgent pandemic that is hard hitting to the devastating impacts of the Ukraine War. Inflation is at an all-time high, both in developed and developing countries. Around 100 countries have to reduce expenditures on social protection, education, and public health.

This also means that lower- and middle-income countries will find it much harder to recover from the pandemic. In addition, the greatest danger for the human race is a 4 degrees hotter world; it will bring heavy damages to security, industry, agriculture, health, infrastructure, and biodiversity. A better world is possible with a model which would deliver growth, sustainability, and equity. The key is the political will and capacity to embrace the transition towards a green, decarbonized and net zero future. It requires powers large, medium and small to interact on the basis of their commonalities rather than differences. To promote the agenda of geopolitics of cooperation, we need to close the widening trust deficit and develop strategic trust between nations. When we somehow reach this so called "Geopolitics of Cooperation," a better world is indeed possible.