IMPOTENCE AND INTRANSIGENCE - STATE BEHAVIOR IN THE THROES OF DEEPENING GLOBAL CRISIS

This article approaches the current global environmental crisis from a n evolutionary perspective. It identifies two features in contemporary states' behavior: impotence and intransigence in the face of global c risis. These traits stem from humanity's evolutionary past, in which g roups had to maintain their integrity while surviving intergroup compe tition. Contemporary sovereign states are groups that have survived th is process, and they guard their sovereignty vigilantly. They do so by instituting coercive measures on the one band and cultivating members ' loyalty on the other. A belief of common descent must be articulated successfully in order for members to feel group solidarity. Hence, st ates are intransigent in maintaining that they truly represent the wel fare of their members. To the extent that states are successful in inc ulcating a belief of common descent and identity, they are also constr ained in acting altruistically-hence, their impotence in the face of d eepening global crisis. To find a way out of this dilemma, strategic a lternatives are explored. The emerging role of nongovernment organizat ions, with certain caveats, is seen as promising.