I know little about history but enough to picture centuries as being dominated by some nations and other nations at war with those dominating forces. Just recently, east vs. west, was definitely the most important forces. Yesterday, I watched 13 days for the second time, and it is very striking that trades, negotiations, balancing acts were only occuring between two nations or two groups of nations. I guess that, as a drarback, we saw world wars because they were easy to trigger; but at the same time, it was easy to focus on piece processes, wasn't it? Like trading Cuban missiles with Turkish missiles. 13 days plot is: in October, 1962, U-2 surveillance photos reveal that the Soviet Union is in the process of placing nuclear weapons in Cuba. These weapons have the capability of wiping out most of the Eastern and Southern United States in minutes if they become operational. President John F. Kennedy and his advisors must come up with a plan of action against the Soviets. Kennedy is determined to show that he is strong enough to stand up to the threat, and the Pentagon advises U.S. military strikes against Cuba--which could lead the way to another U.S. invasion of the island. However, Kennedy is reluctant to follow through, because a U.S. invasion could cause the Soviets to retaliate in Europe. A nuclear showdown appears to be almost inevitable. But after under the table negotiations, where no one really is losing face, this trade between dismentling Cuban missiles and US missiles hosted in Turkey. Why is it so easy to maintain piece in such circumstance? Because you know who to talk to and who to threat.

But today... what's left? Political and economical forces aren't any clear to me. Yes there are dominating countries, but they don't necessarily strongly ally when it comes to economies (see some protectionist measures in importations). When it comes to policitcs, it's even more torublesome; look at the recent state of union in the UN with the war in Iraq... If someone goes beyond some boundaries, it is not easy to find who to talk to to balance this act.

Even causes like global warming are treated at levels where one cannot see any solidarity (btw, I liked the introduction in The Day After Tomorrow when the scientist is opposed short term economical interests).

So what makes the world pieceful and enjoyable? It looks really precarious to me. What tomorrow will be like? Don't tell me that only God knows; in fact you are building it as much as I am today. It's not a matter of acts of God, but indeed acts of men and women, not just blocks of nations.

Have a good day!