Bear's Blog

The United Nations was created in 1945 to promote international peace and security, friendly relations among countries and international cooperation. Almost all of the world’s governments belong. It was born out of idealism and an understanding of the costs of war, but as implemented still carried the dynamics of power. Today we see its failures clearly and fear those ideals are being lost; but it’s just the old structure that is breaking down. The ideals remain intact!

To help achieve these goals the UN has primarily focused on economic and social development. It was an impetus for decolonization in the late 1900’s. The Security Council has five permanent members – the dominant countries after WW2 - who hold much of the power. Any one of them can veto a resolution to impose international sanctions, authorize peacekeeping missions or order appropriate military action. All the other 193 members must abide by these resolutions.

NATO is a military alliance for collective defense and the promotion of democracy.  Founded in 1949 with 12 members (now 30), it also is fracturing. The current United States government has been denigrating collaborative world organizations like these, withdrawing from the WHO, the Paris Climate Change Treaty, and (previously) the Iran Nuclear Treaty. 

All are noble efforts that have fallen short. Now that the U.S. is no longer participating - even flagrantly violating codes of international conduct - new alliances are being formed. If the world doesn't allow another singular superpower to emerge in place of the former U.S. hegemony, we could create a multi-polar world. With more equality among countries it would be messier to arrive at consensus, but ultimately more balanced.

Many times over the past year I have asked guidance when the bull in the china shop – the destroyer, the power monger, the executive monster - is going to leave. Time after time I was told “not yet”. That guidance has just changed; apparently the Middle East debacle was the thing he was meant to initiate.

We can see how it has already highlighted the need for alternative energy sources instead of extractive ones. This can result in a democratization of energy, as individuals utilize the power of our Earth and sun, so freely available.

It’s painfully clear that the use of force has never created lasting peace. Beyond a U.S. Department of Defense (much less a Department of War!), how about a Department of Peace? It’s been proposed over the years by several Senators but never taken seriously. Now’s the time!      

It’s not helpful to say that we signed up for this - especially for those suffering the most. That suffering is hard to see and understand for all of us with empathy and open hearts. Yet it’s true that we are here now, and this is what is happening. Protect your peace of mind, participate as you are called to, and believe that it will - it can - be better for all.

Peace, love and healing -

Bear

Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, shocked the world at the Davos Economic Forum by speaking truth.

“Let me be direct. We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition. The powerful have their power, but we have something too. The capacity to stop pretending, to name reality, to build our strength at home, and to act together. This rupture calls for more than adaptation. It calls for honesty about the world as it is. We know the old order is not coming back.”

For the full speech: Special Address by Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada | World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026

A fine example of a new world order in action:

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s speech in Australia