A Polarized Planet

Abstract

In spite of the delusion of neoliberal globalization as an imaginary togetherness and the pseudo-togetherness of the social media, we live on a deeply fractured planet. Fractures do not necessarily exclude “togetherness” as long they do not end in the dead alley of polarization. If peace is conceptualized as “celebrating moments of sheer human togetherness” and if we aspire to peaceful living together, we must overcome the great obstacle of polarized fragmentation. This requires a readiness to cooperate, to accept diversity, to think inclusively, the ability to act autonomously—as empowered agents—and to engage in critical reflection. In order to deal with the complexity of all these factors that stand in the way of living in peace, we need to turn to humanity’s unique resource: humans are the most communicative animals with unique skills for pro-social, cooperative communication.