Author Question: What technologies in recent history have given the world more security and improved quality of life? ... (Read 76 times)

nummyann · **on:** Sep 3, 2018

What technologies in recent history have given the world more security and improved quality of life? What technologies have made the world less safe? What technologies may provide more security and well-being in the near future? Why are some critics so skeptical about the ability of technology to improve our lives? In your opinion, should the world place more emphasis on technology as a way to solve global problems? Explain your answer.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Although the future of the nation-state is uncertain, states are still the main actors in global politics. However, their status is being challenged by forces from above, through international organizations, and by forces from below, through devolution. Will states reach a point at which they are no longer able to perform their basic functions? If so, will states be replaced by some other actor on the world stage?

What will be an ideal response?

xthemafja · **Reply #1 on:** Sep 3, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The surge in globalization that followed on the heels of late-twentieth-century
discoveries in microelectronics and information processing has unleashed
revolutionary changes. The consequences of the technological revolution, however,
are not certain. Technological innovations solve some problems but cause others.
Like any irrepressible force, observes Nobel laureate economist Wassily Leontief,
technology can bestow on us undreamed benefits but also inflict irreparable
damage.. It can increase productivity and economic output, but it can also displace
workers and trigger social unrest and environmental damage. Some find that their
skills are complementary to new technologies. Others find themselves out of work..

Answer to Question 2

The paradox of contemporary world politics is that a world no longer haunted by the
paralyzing fear of a looming all-out war between great powers now faces a series of
challenges every bit as threatening and potentially unmanageable. Globalization has
simultaneously enlarged the responsibilities and expanded the issues to be
confronted. The emergence of these problems has spawned the creation of many
IGOs and NGOs. However, most of the solutions to the problems must still pass
through states.