Reflections on world affairs - Ahmed H Zewail

Why can't we have peace in our world, and what is its future? Can we provide basic education for all children? Why the decline in the Arab and Muslim World after reaching the acme of achievement? Is Islam the problem? In the land of opportunity - the United States of America - can the Republic maintain world leadership? Can the US sustain its leadership in innovation and prosperity, given the evolution of its culture and politics and the rise of other superpowers? In this century, how does knowledge acquisition through education and scientific research determine the 'Wealth of Nations'?This volume, The Collected Work, is an assemblage of the author's 'Reflections on World Affairs: Peace and Politics.' The focus is on education, science for the have-nots - as well as for the haves - and science in diplomacy. Prof. Zewail believes that the use of the 'soft power' of education, diplomacy, and economic development is far more effective, and much less expensive, than the hegemony of military aggression or politicized foreign aid. From his unique position straddling between East-West cultures and values, it is clear that most problems in our world arise from 'not knowing' and 'not having.' It follows that education is critical, not only for enlightenment, or the 'knowing,' but also for boosting productivity and enhancing the 'having.'