Specifically this period in humanity’s history is characterized by:
(a) International tensions on trade.
(b) Mass-migrations from less successful to more successful countries, and related problems/resistances.
(c) Rise in ethnic-consciousness and ethnic pride.
(d) Rise in religious intolerance and growth in the power of weaker groups to inflict periodic and surprise harm on stronger ones.
(e) Gradual erosion of Western hegemony in world affairs.
(f) Growing ability of countries to interfere in and sabotage the internal affairs of other and distant countries though cyber-terrorism.
(g) Easily and universally accessible channels for spreading knowledge and goodwill as well as hatred and ill-will.
(h) Struggle between forces that want to hold on to past world-order and worldviews and those that want to overthrow it all and establish altogether new ones. This struggle is going on within nations and in the international arena as well.
Spurts of Thought 