Retaining PEST Rationality

Every lay student of human history from ancient times, can ascertain that it may not always be politically, economically, socially and technically (PEST) rational to make war against another territory, outside of a supreme just cause. In more cases than none, international conflicts have only done harm to the planet and our collective humanity.



International conflicts and wars are neither economically viable nor value-creating, given post-war costs of reconstruction. Also, decades after needless internal conflicts, scars of backwardness and underdevelopment remain in the perspectives and social fabric of nations affected. Therefore, it makes more meaning for nations of people to dwell together in unity than to harbour a divisive diversity.


Countries can work as global development partners, choosing to focus on economic cooperation, peaceful co-existence, and sustainable development rather than competitively wasting global resources.


Moreover, whenever countries with superior technological advancements, innovations, military intelligence and weaponry battle somewhat weaker counterparts, (such as the current Israeli-Palestine conflict suggests), more is left to be desired. In this instance, an effectively executed peace accord is necessary to stop needless loss of precious human lives in both climes.


Notably, using the benefit of hindsight, present day realities and foresight, costs of global competitive struggle far outweigh any perceived satisfaction accruable to the winners and losers. So, let us all eat a humble pie and learn to adapt to our internal and external neighbours.


The 5Ps of sustainable development should drive our purpose, planning, and programming:


We can save the Planet rather than destroy it.

We can cooperate and build Partnerships rather than compete to deplete global resources.

We can save and enhance the lives of People rather than reduce them.

We can foster shared Prosperity rather than imbue inequalities.

We can work for Peace in all and for all rather than strive for war.


#Peace

Photo credit: Peace-House-Community.Org

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Adverse Import: Cotonou Pineapple Vs Nigerian Pineapple

Image
I like the tropical fruit called pineapple and it serves as a sweet base for some of my homemade fruit juices. I have observed in recent times as I shop in local markets and around town for pineapple that there are two varieties –  slim-shaped pineapples and robust pineapples. The slimmer pineapples are usually the majority available with general purpose or specialized fruit vendors and can be bought at low prices (between NGN40 – NGN80 a piece depending on size). On the other hand, the robust variety are sold at relatively higher prices (between NGN150 – NGN250 a piece).  Of course I usually purchase the cheaper variety because it is readily available in larger quantities than the robust type. Recently, while shopping for fruits at a nearby cluster of sellers, I had bought the robust type (because the slim type was not available) and discovered a difference in colour, taste and texture. On a fact finding mission (during another market visit) while bargaining for a set of
Read more

A New Dawn: SDGs, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Image
Beginning today Friday 25 th through Sunday 27 th September 2015, Heads of State and Government and High representatives will meet at the 70 th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York to ratify the blue print of the post-2015 Development Agenda – Sustainable Development Goals. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development focuses on transforming the world with a focus on 5 Ps – People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace and Partnership. The blueprint is indeed a product of conscientious consultations involving various stakeholders deliberating and debating various thematic and sub-thematic issues. The Task Force improved on the consultative processes that birthed the MDGs. Consequently, the SDGs are a product of wider and more inclusive consultations on elements essential to creating the World We Want by 2030. Also, in many ways the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development seeks to build on the Millennium Development Goals and complete what it could no
Read more

Opinion Survey on Nigeria’s 2015 Presidential Elections: Preliminary Results

Image
Many thanks to everyone who has participated in the opinion survey on Nigeria’s 2015 presidential elections powered by Research Policy Shop . You are deeply appreciated. Respondents are male and female Nigerians, of different age groups, religious affiliation, with states of origin spread across the six geopolitical zones. This post is devoted to sharing preliminary results from the Survey. For the most part, respondents (54%) base their prospective voting behaviour on their personal evaluation of the candidate’s past/prospective performance. Another 45% of respondents base their prospective voting behaviour on ‘desirable personal characteristics’ of the choice candidate. A larger percentage of the respondents so far originate from South-West Nigeria. Most of the respondents (72%) noted they are likely to vote for the APC candidate. Irrespective of their personal voting intentions, 69% of the respondents think the APC candidate will likely win the P
Read more

The Difference is Clear: Nigerian Police Barracks Versus Military/Naval/Air Force Barracks

Image
It is not only of 7Up’s taste that we can say   ‘the difference is clear’ , we can also say same of the Nigerian police barracks in contrast with military/naval/air force (MNA) barracks.  Sometimes, irrespective of their location, the physical state of police residential buildings and adjoining environment is deplorable, with pockets of disorganized vendors and poor waste management systems.  On the better hand, MNA residential areas have relatively cleaner environments, better maintained buildings and organized trading areas. As a development economist, I am bothered that this ‘physical’ differential may be a signal to more serious social welfare issues. Having keenly observed this disturbing real world phenomenon over a few years, there are some intriguing questions which I hope research and policy can address in the days to come: What is the extent of income and welfare differentials among different categories of the Nigerian armed forces? What accounts for the di
Read more