Luiz Carlos Bresser-Pereira

Novos Estudos CEBRAP, 65, março 2003: 91-110.

The September 11th episode not only marked the end of the Cold War, but the end of the Balance of Powers Diplomacy, through which the nation-states define themselves as enemies, and solve their problems with war or war threat. Today the major countries do not have enemies among other nation-states. Slowly Globalization's Politics replace the previous system, as long as globalization gets regulated, and the rule of law emerges at international level. In the global world we have three types of countries: the rich, the ones of intermediary development, and the poor. Globalization is inherently unjust to the latter. Unable to compete in a world where competition prevails everywhere, such countries are either just outside the system, or, frustrated, recur to terrorism. Interests, however, do not point out only in the direction of inequalities. Through politics, i.e., through debate and argument, it will be possible to create a less unjust international law system. And also through it, the hope in an international government ceases to be a mere utopia.