Introduction
An international compendium of essays offering ideas for a new ­approach to international relations and public policy, one imbued with an ethical and spiritually enriched socio-political philosophy that esteems the human spirit and dignity as central values in decision making; seeks links between self-interest and the ­common good: and introduces, in a practical way, philosophical, spiritual, and cultural perspectives in the political discourse on global political and socioeconomic problems.

The contributors, most of whom are members of the Triglav Circle, represent a wide spectrum of scholarship, practical, experience, and cultural histories, faiths, and philosophies. Professors in various disciplines as well as practitioners in politics, public policy, diplomacy, development, and international business, the contributors share a sense of the importance of introducing ethical and spiritual concepts and values into the public discourse on progress and globalization issues.

No calling is more noble, no responsibility greater, than that of enabling men, women, and children in cities and in villages around the world, to make their lives better.  We must apply the values that are shared by all peoples and that are particularly important to our age: freedom; equity and solidarity; tolerance; non-violence; respect for nature; and shared responsibility. Only in this way we make globalization inclusive, allowing everyone to share its opportunities.  It is my hope that this publication will serve as a source of inspiration to our efforts.

Kofi A. Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations

The authors of this anthology, having gathered around a “Candle in the Darkness” to formulate their thoughts on an ethically and spiritually enriched political renaissance in the 21st century, have ­experienced a need for quietude, contemplation and reflective assessment… Let us all, likewise, use our time in history as a valuable gift, a time of spirit… Let us search for the reason for a meaningful life on this planet, for a ­reasonable hope against all hopelessness, an understandable and visible reason, like a candle lit in the darkness. 

Vaclav Havel, President of the Czech Republic

About the Content
The central theme of this book is the need to rediscover and articulate ethical and spiritual values in the ethos of modernity and in the emerging global economy and society. This book assumes that prevalent political discourse on the most egregious problems in international relations, political economy, and social well-being ignores a host of unexplored, often forgotten but vitally important interests, beliefs, and values, and ignores the critical questions of meaning and purpose in human life. This assumption challenges the ideology shaping the global culture that sees human lives best organized by institutions that promote and facilitate competitive individualism, acquisitiveness, and materialism. It points to the need for a shift towards non-material concerns and for enriched conceptions of “quality of life” to promote political, economic, and social progress. It emphasizes that everyone needs an economic base, but attainment of adequate levels of food, clothing, shelter, health care and education should be considered a step in the direction of the higher goal of progress in the art of living.

Awareness of the mutable substance of political and economic realities and demand for another approach to world peace and progress come from many sources including parts of the United Nations system. In 1995, heads of states and governments, gathering for the Social Summit in Copenhagen, called for fulfillment of the material, ethical, and spiritual needs of individuals and societies. The environment movement, encouraged by the UN world conferences in Rio and Johannesburg, has given credence to a perception of the universe wherein humankind is woven in the fabric of nature as an integral part of all life. These initiatives underscore the need for a more humane and sensitive vision of progress.

This book divides into four parts. Part I addresses the need to rediscover and articulate ethical and spiritual values in the context of a global ­society. In so doing it critiques the dominant approach to human progress and development and outlines alternatives. Part II explores the contemporary relevance of ethical and spiritual traditions derived from philosophy and religion in many parts of the world. Part III delves into art, literature, and language in search of ideas for enriching the contemporary political discourse. Part IV considers ways to apply spiritual and moral values in international diplomacy, development, finance, and intergovernmental organizations. Each of these parts is preceded by a separate introduction.

Some critics might consider this a utopian undertaking. However, unlike utopianism, this book does not prescribe a single path to social progress, nor does it design the contours of a perfect society. Instead, it explores different ideas and approaches to enriching the contemporary political discourse. These diverse approaches should be considered rather like many different candles shedding light on the challenges now faced in the modern world.

Contributors
Birna Arnbjornsdottir, Professor of Linguistics and English literature, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
*Barbara Sundberg Baudot, Professor of Politics, Saint Anselm College.
*Jacques Baudot, Coordinator, United Nations International Forum for Social Development.
Nitin Desai, Under Secretary General for Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations.
*Richard Falk, Professor Emeritus of International Law and Practice, Princeton University.
*Vigdis Finnbogadottir, UNESCO Ambassador for Languages, former President of Iceland.
*Father John Fortin O.S.B., Professor of Philosophy, Saint Anselm College.
Robert Gamer, Professor of Political Science, University of Missouri.
*Noriko Hashimoto, Professor of Philosophy and Aesthetics, Aoyama Gakuin University,
*Tomonobu Imamichi, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, Tokyo University.
*Vyacheslav Ivanov, Professor of Language and Linguistics, University of California, Director of Institute of World Culture, University of Moscow.
*Dr. Ruud Lubbers, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
Princeton Lyman, Ph.D., Director of Globalization Program, Aspen Institute.
*Peter Marris, Lecturer in Sociology, Yale University; Professor Emeritus, UCLA.
*Thomas Odhiambo, Professor of Biology, President Emeritus of the African Academy of Science.
*Allison W. Phinney, poet and religious scholar.
*Giandomenico Picco, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations for the Dialogue of Civilizations.
Roy Smith, Kenneth Langone Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance, New York University, Stern School of Business.
*Tu Weiming, Professor of Chinese History and Philosophy and of Confucian Studies, Harvard University.
*Muhammad Suhyel Umar, Director, Iqbal Academy, Lahore, Pakistan.
Ingo Walter, Charles Simon Professor of Applied Financial Economics, New York University, Stern School of Business.

*Triglav Circle Members