Peace in the new era

World
Europe

Editor's note: Wang Shuo is the deputy director of Institute for European Studies at China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations. The article reflects the author's opinion, and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

War and peace is the eternal theme of mankind. This year on November 11 marks the 100th anniversary of the ending of World War I.

People who have experienced that horrible time are sadly passing away; the progress of human civilization and the economic globalization have greatly decreased the possibility of another world war.

However, the risk has never been really moved away from us. As former German Chancellor Kohl said, peace is by no means a natural occurrence... of course, history will not repeat itself, but the specter of nationalism and the hidden dangers of war in Europe are not eradicated once and for all, and the nightmare of the past still could be reproduced.

French President Emmanuel Macron takes part in a commemoration ceremony at the Notre Dame de Lorette World War I French war cemetery in Ablain-Saint-Nazaire, northern France, on November 8, 2018, as part of a World War I commemoration tour. /VCG Photo.

In fact, the world today is still full of constant regional conflicts, traditional and non-traditional security issues are also prominent. In particular, the 2008 financial crisis has brought us a huge strike.

The anti-globalization, anti-integration and anti-trade liberalization, populism, and the contradiction between countries have already impacted the existing international political and economic order. Although the war in the future may not be with guns or canons, it could also be disastrous.

What deserves our consideration is why the world has become so complicated. Actually, the problems we face today are gradually accumulated in development and then erupt in the impact of the financial crisis. In the final analysis, that is the development of many countries has encountered obstacles. So to maintain peace, we must first solve the development problem.

Today, the Paris Peace Forum is held in Paris. It is an annual platform for governance projects launched by French President Emmanuel Macron. Leaders from more than 80 nations and international organizations, as well as people from business and academics, were present not only to commemorate the ending of World War I and, but more importantly, to take this opportunity to discuss this issue for our peace.

A picture shows graves at the Notre Dame de Lorette World War I French war cemetery in Ablain-Saint-Nazaire, northern France on November 8, 2018, as part of a World War I commemoration tour. /VCG Photo.

Just as the former French Prime Minister De Villepin said, peace is a job for everyone, not only for saints and heroes. We have no reason to forget the warnings of history but to cherish and try our best to maintain peace.

In today's world, it is obviously not rational to benefit yourself with sacrificing the neighbors. Unilateralism and protectionism can only hurt oneself while hurting others. The result of trade wars is definitely both losses.

It is why people come to Paris today with this consensus. No matter how tough Trump's attitude is, or how he dislikes of multilateralism, the president knows well that the United States cannot solve all problems alone.

As the host, France has placed high expectations on this forum, because France and EU are facing the same problems of others. The president of France hopes to make a renaissance for his country and EU, which will be impossible without a good international environment.

French President Emmanuel Macron (2nd R) and French First Lady Brigitte Macron (R) greet US President Donald Trump (2nd L) and US First Lady Melania Trump (L) as they leave the Elysee Palace following their meeting in Paris, France on November 10, 2018. /VCG Photo.

Indeed, Macron is one of several politicians who can talk to China, the United States, Russia and other big powers at the same time, just like a bridge between Eastern and Western countries.

This is why people could have this opportunity to sit down together and make dialogues. This is precisely the primary effort to maintain peace and is also the most important because we don't refuse to contact or offer our confidence.

In his autobiography, Macron said that the scope of society in the new era is no longer limited in a single country, but the whole world. Perhaps we are in the worst era, but it may be the best era. The key lies in our desire and efforts.

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