It would seem that the world has staggered to the end of 2011, with considerable foreboding about what 2012 will bring. Within this period of greater uncertainty for all, if good men and women do nothing, we all risk seeing present inequalities rise with the increasing selfishness of those protecting and enhancing their privileged positions alongside deepening vulnerability of those already in precarious conditions.

When we look at the UK and other parts of Europe, it is clear that this core problem is not confined to poor countries. Such blatant unfairness is not sustainable politically. As a result, we can expect more protest and more ‘springs’ to erupt globally. It is an open question whether such voice will lead to economic as well as political reform, or whether it will encourage elite powerholders to cling to their rents through ever more repression and fascist forms of political management.
The story in Egypt is far from over, and nor is it for Syria. To me, we are witnessing the accumulated failure of neo-liberal, market-driven pathways to human wellbeing, accompanied by short term western interests which keep, for example, both Israel and Saudi Arabia as friends, despite their respective disrespect for other people’s freedoms.

The pursuit of democracy and freedom, including crucially for women, should not be compromised anywhere. The pursuit of fairness might go a long way to solving pressing global problems: whether climate or finance. For me, fairness is the ultimate global public good, upon which much else depends. I hope that the DSA can help keep that agenda in the forefront during 2012 and beyond. So, there is something to wish for in the new year.

Geof Wood,
President, DSA