Global disruptions as part of change and a call for responsible leadership

Abstract

Over the past few decades the pace and scale of global interconnectivity built upon innovations such as the internet and ICT in general have greatly impacted the global economy and our social lives. At the same time, global disruptions such as digitalization, financial crises, pollution, social networks, and overpopulation have made the traditional environment of the industrial era increasingly volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous. A paradigm shift will usually become visible first in the economic sector. Large companies have faced difficulties in developing or rather in coping with such disruptive innovations. On the other hand, people can earn their living without being employed anymore, the internet has made this possible. In recent years, voices have increasingly spoken up across the world on diverse subjects using the medium of the internet. Questions regarding the planet, new forms of living in modern societies, and consequently, a quest for connectedness has increased. For instance, environmental movements have gained influence over economic and political decisions. At present, a virus has turned the world upside down. Interestingly, this is not a local, but rather a worldwide issue. It is especially in such challenging situations that the ability of those in power to react in a responsible and astute manner. The main aim of this article is to reflect on the current global (human) struggle between the powers of connectedness and change, on the one hand, and the effort of keeping the past alive and separation, on the other hand. This research refers throughout to the concept of freedom and reveals a need for heightened vigilance. In this article, the focus is on phenomena which is observable in Germany. Such phenomena are described herein, and connections to historical processes and to how foreign countries have handled similar situations are discussed in order to better understand both what happens and what is possible. This research is not free of limitations in so far as the analysis is based on ongoing processes.