Vol. 8 No. 1 (2009)

In less than two years, a global revolution appears to have come to the surface for all to see. The most stable of states, the most reliable of medical systems, the most advanced technologies, the most productive economic system...indeed, virtually anything one can think of...all have become topsy turvy. What has been considered the conventional wisdom is no longer conventional or wise. Still, while the collapsing international system, bankrupt and corrupt states, and an economic system lead by financial institutions now collapsing shake one’s confidence in the future, there are some new indicators suggesting the unfolding of an alternative world. The International Criminal Court has been steadily developing to identify, capture, indict, and subject those charged with genocide and other crimes against humanity to trial. Climate Change and its associated greenhouse gas emission has become a major topic of debate and public policy formation by states, multi-lateral organizations, as well as indigenous peoples. Older industries are either forced to close their doors or adjust to contributing to a new global economy based on non-carbon energy production. Communications world-wide has become considerably less expensive allowing individuals and groups to reach out to each other to discover new and creative ways to find peaceful and cooperative relations. New political leadership like that of President Barack Obama is now coming to the front row to define new priorities, and new public policy directions that seem more intent on responding to human wants and needs instead of corporate needs and wants. These hopeful signs seem reinforced somewhat by the words of contributors to this issue of the Fourth World Journal. Thoughtful and creative analysis of geopolitical relations, constructive efforts dealing with trauma and mental health, alternative visions for health care, comments on climate change, and two reviews demonstrating different views on subsistence as a promoter of life and issues concerning bigotry toward American Indian people.