Future Positive: International Co-operation in the 21st Century

Based on wide first-hand experience of the international failures of the last half-century, this volume argues that in an increasingly interdependent world, no-one has a future unless we work together. It describes the prospects for new international order, one that makes a fitting legacy to future generations. Covering a large amount of ground in non-technical language, it explains how the international system operates, the pressures it faces and the changes it must undergo. Tackling the big questions of globalization and national interest head-on, it provides practical resources for those in search of a politics that is more humane and less destructive.

Table of Contents:
The co-operative imperative; 1945 and all that - a brief history; it's the polity, stupid!; it's not size that matters; matters of life and death; stick, carrots and room to manoeuvre; a new formula for foreign aid; humanizing capital; constituencies for change; institutional reform and personal revolution; how can I help?

Review :
"Michael Edwards, in his book "Future Positive," captures the essence of the dilemmas of the current economic relations between the rich and poor countries, where the process of globalization has brought benefits to mainly developed countries of the North, while the developing countries of the South are still struggling to survive within this integrated world economy." -- Thabo Mbeki, President of South AfricaAt last, a hard-headed but soft-hearted vision of global cooperation - respecting our differences, avoiding top-down 'solutions, ' expanding the number of voices at the table, yet moving forward together on clear goals. This is an optimistic book at a time when the global pessimists rule the intellectual roost." -- Robert B. Reich, University Professor of Social and Economic Policy, Brandeis University, and former US Secretary of Labor "Michael Edwards' 'Future Positive'...offers a careful and realistic portrait of...the potential role of cooperation in domesticating the competitive ethos of the global economy. He takes intervention to be 'the dominant theme of the last 50 years' and cooperation--potentially--to be the 'dominant theme of the next 50 years' and then sets out to show how this might actually come to pass. It is an important thesis on behalf of institutional cooperation and deserves a reading." -- Benjamin R. Barber, Los Angeles Times "Future Positive succeeds in being both blunt and gentle. It is packed with data and case histories that make the analysis impossible to dismiss. It levies stern indictments but does so with a compassion that does not dehumanize. And it appeals to the best in us in ways that are compelling. Thank you for the gift of this book's gentle butunmitigated candor." -- Edgar Cahn, Founder of the Time Dollar Institute and creator of Time Banking. "At a time when aid fatigue threatens global cooperation and debates on the global order have become increasingly acrimonious, this well-informed and compassionate book states the case for human solidarity with unusual lucidity and grounded optimism." -- Thandika Mkandawire, Executive Director, United Nations Research Institute for Social Development"Future Positive" is a potent blend of vision and pragmatism. Michael Edwards challenges all of us - NGOs, governments, corporations and consumers - to move beyond our conventional ways of thinking and join together to create a just and responsible international system." -- Peter Bell, President of CARE and Co-Chair of the Inter-American Dialogue"Refreshingly readable and optimistic" -- Foreign Policy Centre Newsletter"This courageous book pursues the biggest issue of all: how international cooperation can be raised to a higher level. The pursuit is full of intellectual excitement, arriving at conclusions that are inspiring and challenging."-- John Toye, UNCTAD "Mike Edwards' vision of cooperation is powerful and persuasive. His arguments for why ideas about cooperation need to change are balanced and cogent. It is particularly refreshing to read a book which sets out how such changes might be achieved, and which is fundamentally optimistic that they can be." -- David Bryer, Director, Oxfam "In this important book, Michael Edwards powerfully sets out the case for cooperation at local, national, regional and global levels, to help harness and humanize the global economy."-- Frances Stewart, Professor of Development Economics, University ofOxford "Future Positive is an optimistic vision of how to get to a future where people cooperate universally to end injustice, poverty and conflict. Michael Edwards has a passion for finding practical ways to make the world a better place. He deserves to be read widely."-- Tim Garden, Times Higher Education Supplement "Michael Edwards' refreshingly optimistic and readable book calls for widespread reform of an international system which interferes too much in the detail of other people's lives and not enough when it really matters. His approach is wholehearted and convincing. Edwards combines his breadth of vision with a realistic focus on building constituencies for change." -- Natasha Franklin, Foreign Policy Review "What a joy! Each chapter is interesting, observant and sometimes violent in its opinions. I urge you to read this book because you will need to take a position yourself, whether you are donor or recipient, from the rich or poor world."-- Michael Brophy, Alliance Magazine "This comprehensive and profound work presents a new perspective on how to deal with the emerging problems and challenges for the global community. Michael Edwards' optimistic vision for the future gives inspiration as well as alternative means of resolving humanitarian crises, inequality, poverty and violence." -- Connections Magazine "This book belongs to a small minority of analyses of world politics that are inspired yet modest, deep yet readable. Edwards' rich combination of personal resources generates powerful insights and compelling prescriptions. However, Edwards does not preach down; he shares his ideas in ways that leave the reader feeling enabled and enthusiastic."-- Jan Art Scholte,International Journal of Urban and Regional Research"Michael Edwards grapples with a central dilemma of our times: the growing mismatch between a rapidly globalizing economy and political decisions that remain largely national. He argues persuasively for new forms of global governance that are as flexible and decentralized as the new economy itself. As 'non-governmental organizations' demand a greater role in setting the agenda for global problem-solving, Edwards' emphasis on NGO's corresponding obligation to be more open and accountable is especially valuable." -- Will Marshall, President, Progressive Policy Institute" [This book] is by Michael Edwards, who after twenty years of experience in international development and mounting disillusionment, stepped back to find a better way for people, agencies and governments to work together productively." -- Constructive Citizen Participation