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Sustainable History

This website is dedicated to the ideas and publications of Nayef Al-Rodhan.

Dr. Nayef Al-Rodhan is a Philosopher, Neuroscientist and Geostrategist.

He is Senior Member of St. Antony’s College at Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom and Senior Scholar in Geostrategy and Director of the Geopolitics of Globalisation and Transnational Security Programme at the Geneva Centre for Security Policy, Geneva, Switzerland. Read more

Endorsement

"This is a fascinating account of the interplay of new technologies and national power. It goes beyond mechanistic estimates to explore social and political consequences of a world reshaped by technological change. The discussion of human enhancement through drugs or genetic manipulation is engrossing and raises new and difficult problems, both political and ethical, for what will soon be a very different world. The scope of the book, with its discussion of a full range of new technologies of consequences, makes it unique and insightful as a guide to one of the fundamental forces that will reshape international politics."

James Lewis, Director and Senior Fellow, Technology and Public Policy Program, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Washington DC, United States.

"This book takes a broad look at emerging technologies and their role in enabling humanity to further its evolution. Nayef Al-Rodhan comprehensively addresses the key trends of these strategic technologies and the highly relevant geopolitical and strategic implications. Within this framework, he highlights the need for setting transnational policies in place to ensure ubiquitous human dignity and the freedom to choose our own destiny. This study is a scientific and breathtaking voyage into the future that will enchant the reader and encourage society to meditate on our human nature and subsequent responsibilities."

Giovanni De Micheli, Director of the Electrical Engineering Institute and Integrated Systems Centre at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.

Sample Quotes

1) "I define sustainable history as a durable progressive trajectory in which the quality of life on this planet or other planets is premised on the guarantee of human dignity for all at all times and under all circumstances." (Nayef Al-Rodhan, Sustainable History and the Dignity of Man, p. 13)

2) "The sustainable history approach set out in this study views history as propelled by good governance paradigms that balance the tension between human nature attributes (emotionality, amorality and egoisms), on the one hand, and human dignity needs (reason, security, human rights, accountability, transparency, justice, opportunity, innovation and inclusiveness), on the other." (Nayef Al-Rodhan, Sustainable History and the Dignity of Man, p. 13)

3) "In my opinion, a life governed by reason is likely to be more dignified than one shaped by dogma and unbridled emotions." (Nayef Al-Rodhan, Sustainable History and the Dignity of Man, p. 437)

Article of the week

Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan and Gérard Stoudmann, "Historical Milestones of Globalization," Program on the Geopolitical Implications of Globalization and Transnational Security, June 19, 2006.

Concept of the week

Octagon of Education and Global Security

This includes: (1) empowerment and development; (2) global knowledge of histories and cultures; (3) cultural respect and understanding; (4) communication, exchange, and exposure; (5) global citizenry through responsible media and political statements; (6) global values and equality; (7) abuse of knowledge; and (8) other truths and views.

(see The Role of Education in Global Security by Nayef R.F. Al-Rodhan)