Realignments

Let’s see, failing organizations align with one another to build a strong firm from the remains of the two. One technology pairs with another to make a new product possible. Two sciences combine their separate focal points to create an entirely new field of exploration and discovery.

Nations pair up to solve a ticklish problem they both share. Some countries join forces to increase power over regional power skirmishes. In the United Nations several countries attempt to gain mastery over health problems bedeviling all of them. They hope to make a dent in improving living conditions in the region.

Politically foes from the past combine their efforts to forge a third political emphasis to unsettle a well-established political party. Internationally, one nation rearranges its political apparatus to stabilize it government’s leadership. It eliminates term limits for its top leadership posts, refines its military organizations, and focuses economic power in global terms. It reaches for more power and influence. It stretches muscle to become more visible in global affairs.

Two of these nations might align themselves with one another to gain even more sway against another. Sound familiar? Does any of this tickle any memories? Or possibly concern that something is afoot that you should know more about?

If you do, you are alert to international changes taking place. You are also becoming ever more aware that these changes are taking place while American diplomatic services are struggling to find stronger footing in face of a White House administration that apparently does not know what it is doing.

Delicate matters these. International relationships are important to all of us in the global community. Together we work out trading agreements, resource sharing, broadened cultural understanding, and so much more. Together we accomplish much. But only if we trust one another.

The question today: is trust growing or faltering among the nations of the world community?

If trust falters, alignments shift among the nations. Who was once strong becomes weakened. Ignored and avoided? It is early yet in this shifting of footing. There is stumbling around by many nations. There are whispers among old allies about some of their group; might one of them be shifting out of their orbit? If so, why? Is this permanent or temporary? And again, why?

The state of international relations in 2018 is very much in flux. How much of this is healthy? How much of this is an exploration of freshened possibilities that will lead to more global stability and comity? But then, the doubt is raised and wonder persists: What if the old reliable partner is moving away from us? Pulling and stretching their ties in ways we are unfamiliar?

These are the questions and doubts expressed today about America. With current political leadership unsettling connections and relationships of longstanding, alignments among nations are being redefined.

Russia. China. Middle East. All are in play. Intentionally or not. In play and shifting. Is there a design in all of this? Or is there a partisan intention on the part of a few nations to change power combinations? These are the combinations of the past that have maintained peace and stability. If they shift, how much stability and peace is in question?

A good question to spend time pondering. Questioning minds want to know.

March 1, 2018