World-wide co-operation with our present technique could abolish poverty and war, and could bring to all mankind a level of happiness and well-being such as has never hitherto existed. But although this is obvious men still prefer to confine co-operation to their own groups and to indulge toward other groups a fierce hostility which fills daily life with terrifying visions of disaster.
Source： Bertrand Russell: A Philosophy of Our Time (1953)
More info.：https://russell-j.com/beginner/1026_PfOT-060.HTM
* a brief comment:
The root causes of conflicts and disputes lie in various forms of inequality and discrimination, with economic disparity at the center. They are also driven by the desire or emotional urge to dominate others, or, in the case of nations, to assert superiority over other countries.
When such points are raised, it is not uncommon for some to respond in a know-it-all tone, saying things like, "The real world isn't that simple," or "Inequality is inevitable."
Even when it comes to Japan's defense policy, there are many who insist that following the United States is the only realistic option, refusing to consider any alternative perspectives.
However, I would like to propose one idea: what if Japan invited the United Nations and its peacekeeping forces to establish their headquarters here, and created a system in which peacekeeping troops could be dispatched from Japan to conflict zones around the world? As long as the UN headquarters remains in the United States, countries in the communist bloc will likely remain reluctant to comply with its decisions. But if Japan were to declare permanent neutrality and host the United Nations and its peacekeeping forces, no country would likely consider launching a military attack against Japan.
Of course, those who benefit from Japan's current policy of alignment with the United States would strongly oppose such a shift. However, in the long run, the number of citizens who would benefit from a policy such as the one I propose would surely be far greater.
Is there no politician or political party in Japan today with the courage to advocate for such a bold and far-reaching vision?
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