Today's world is a culmination of the events and developments of the past centuries. Technological and economic changes have created new links between people around the globe. These connections worldwide have also made people and societies more aware of the challenges that face the world today and in the years to come.
The end of the Cold War saw old empires crumble and new nations emerge, along with new global economic trends.
Globalization defines the world of the post-Cold War, integrating economies, politics, cultures and societies around the world.
Globalization has brought all kinds of social and environmental issues to the world's attention, such as poverty, disease, environmental threats and human rights.
Just a decade after the end of the Cold War, people and nations are worried about attack—from different, unpredictable sources.
Since 1945, scientific research and technological development have had a transforming effect on human history.