Social Justice in an Open World: The Rote of the United Nations
ing in developing countries. In contemporary international parlance, the expression "emerging markets" is often used in place of "developing countries", as the former denotes dynamism and opportunity and the latter stagnation and uncertainty. A better distribution of the benefits and opportunities emanating from the globalization process is a more frequently stated objective than structural and institutional reforms in the world economy. The latter may, however, be a precondition for the balanced distribution and sharing of the benefits of globalization. Humanitarian assistance is currently in vogue, overshadowing the promotion of social development and social progress, which require long-term commitments and a period of time before results become apparent. The elimination of poverty is a goal that is generally seen to encompass most development objectives and most aspects of international cooperation for development, but there are presently very few negotiated and enforceable agreements that might ensure its realization. The validity of the traditional concept and practice of international cooperation is clearly being challenged. One could even argue, given the decline in official development assistance, the lingering debt issue, the situation of least developed countries, the various forms of inequality and marginalization that appear to be worsening around the world, the increase in weapons spending, and the prevalence of various forms of violence and conflict, that international cooperation is in crisis. Is there an accompanying decline in support for the idea that all nations, strong and weak, have an equal right to exercise their national sovereignty? Is the principle enunciated in the Preamble to the Charter of the United Nations that the "international machinery" should be employed "for the promotion of the economic and social advancement of all peoples" in danger of being neglected? Others might argue that this is a constructive crisis rather than a decline, as an overhaul of international cooperation has been made necessary by the worldwide changes occurring in connection with the globalization process, by the welcome decline in various forms of State idolatry and technocracy, by the recognition that the private sector and civil society organizations are indispensable in contemporary international relations, and by the realization that development can be facilitated from outside but still depends largely on local initiatives and efforts. In determining the current state and desirable future of international cooperation, consideration may be given to the notion of a global public good or to the cornmon good of humankind as a universal principle; to long-term objectives (What are the features of a viable international and global community?); and to the principles, values and policies that are likely to be the most conducive to creating a peaceful and harmonious world. There is much conflict and violence and threats of ail types on the international scene today, but there is also a better understanding of the link between cooperation for peace, cooperation for human rights, and cooperation for development. In the United Nations context, "cooperation" encompasses both the