From happy new year to happy new day: what is next?

In the not-so-distant past, the phrase "Happy New Year" conjured a time of anticipation and hope for many people around the world. It was a phrase that summarised our faith, our hopes, our optimism and our desired culture of planning for the entire year and even beyond. People looked forward to the coming year. They set goals. They made resolutions. They planned for the future with a sense of certainty that the year ahead would usher in new opportunities and wonderful experiences. It was a time when the future stretched out before us like an open field, full of possibilities and promises that usually didn't fail us.

As time flitted past, however, a gradual yet poignant shift began to occur in our value system. Our focus on what was the normal "Happy New Year" slowly began to give way to "Happy New Month," then to "Happy New Week," and eventually, to "Happy New Day." We began to plan our lives, no longer on a yearly basis as before, not even on a monthly basis but now on a daily basis, grateful to God that we survived the day.

Reflecting on our growing sense of insecurity and vulnerability about which we felt so helpless in the downgrading changes in our wish-greetings, it became obvious that this transition from planning for the long term to living in the moment was a result of the deep changes that caught up with the global psyche over the years. The fact is that the world we live in today has become increasingly unpredictable, filled with uncertainties that have forced humanity to adapt by shrinking its time horizons. The once solid ground of long-term planning has, unfortunately, become replaced by the shifting sands of short-term survival. And we all appear to be helplessly engulfed in this negative development. Yet we know that this shift is not merely about changing social trends. We know that it is the symptom of a world grappling with growing insecurity on multiple fronts. Economic instability, political turmoil, environmental crises and health pandemics, all contributed to our current pervasive sense of vulnerability. The fear of the unknown, the fear that we may not even survive is driving us to focus on the immediate rather than the future.

Human beings would normally grow up thinking about and planning for the future. The ability to anticipate future events and prepare for them had always been crucial for survival. Our farming ancestors planned for seasonal changes, food storage and migration. And this long-term thinking was enshrined in their daily lives. As societies became more complex, this attitude metamorphosed into more sophisticated forms of planning that involved agriculture and commerce, governance and education, economic development and the wellbeing of citizens. Yet, it dawned on us that the ability to think for the long-term was not going to be static. It could be influenced by external factors, particularly those related to security and socio-economic stability.

We knew that when people felt secure and confident in their environment, they were more likely to invest time and resources into long-term goals. On the other hand, when they felt threatened or uncertain, their focus naturally shifted to immediate needs and survival. In other words, insecurity breeds anxiety, and anxiety is a powerful tool that can shape human behaviour. When people are anxious, their ability to think clearly and plan for a long-term future is impaired. This is because anxiety triggers the brain's fight-or-flight response, which is designed to deal with immediate threats. The result is a heightened focus on the moment and a tendency to prioritize short-term solutions over long-term strategies. Fear of the unknown, fear of failure, and fear of not being able to survive are all manifestations of this anxiety. In a world where insecurity is rampant, these fears become pervasive and influence how individuals make decisions and plan their lives.

The sloppy shift from "Happy New Year" to "Happy New Day" is a reflection of this psychological state, where the future is no longer seen as something to look forward to but as something to be feared. But even then, the psychological impact of insecurity extends beyond individual anxiety. It also affects decision-making at all levels of society. Insecure environments can lead to anti-risk behaviour, where individuals, businesses, and governments are less willing to invest in long-term projects or take bold steps toward innovation and progress. For example, in times of economic uncertainty, businesses are most likely to cut back on research and development and instead opt for short-term cost-cutting measures. Governments are likely to prioritize immediate social or political stability over long-term reforms and this could lead to policies that are inactive or reactive rather than proactive. At the individual level, people are likely to avoid making major life decisions, such as buying a home or starting a family, due to fears about the future.

The psychological effects of living in an insecure world are profound and they have significant implications for mental health. The constant stress and anxiety associated with insecurity can lead to a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Depression itself is quite often characterized by feelings of hopelessness, a sense of being overwhelmed by the challenges of life, and a lack of motivation to engage with the world. In a world where insecurity is prevalent, as it is now, these feelings are amplified. The uncertainty about the future, the inability to plan ahead, and the constant barrage of negative narratives, all contribute to our pervasive sense of hopelessness and helplessness.

People who feel that they have no control over their lives or their environment are more likely to experience depression. The shift from long-term to short-term thinking can even worsen this scenario, as individuals are likely to feel that their efforts to improve their situation were proving futile. This sense of powerlessness is likely to lead to a downward spiral of negative thinking, where the future seems bleak and unattainable. Anxiety disorders, to be sure, are among the most common mental health issues in today's world, and an endemic sense of insecurity is a significant contributing factor to this.

For individuals who have experienced severe trauma, such as war, natural disasters, or personal violence, the psychological impact of insecurity can be even more debilitating. Children and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to the psychological effects of insecurity. Growing up in an environment where uncertainty and danger are constant reminders of the quality of life we live can have long-lasting effects on the mental health and development of children. They are most likely to experience anxiety, depression and behavioural issues, while adolescents struggle with identity formation, academic performance, and social relationships. The impact of insecurity on young people is especially disturbing because it can shape their outlook on life and negatively influence their ability to plan for the future. If children grow up believing that the world is an unpredictable and unsafe place, they will be more or less likely to take risks and pursue their goals. This can lead to a generation of young people who are hesitant to engage with the world and who struggle to envision, let alone plan, a positive future.

The situation is even more disturbing because the atmosphere of global insecurity is not confined to any one region or country, it has become a universal experience. The entire world, regardless of cultural, economic, or political differences, is caught in this web of insecurity and uncertainty. The increasing fragility of our global systems has led us to a collective anxiety that shapes how we live, how we think, and how we plan our lives. How do we navigate a world where long-term planning seems almost futile these days? How can humanity reclaim a sense of control of long term thinking and planning, in the face of overwhelming global challenges?

I think that the first thing we must do is to acknowledge that our backward journey from "Happy New Year" to "Happy New Day" is a consequence of the security challenges of our time. But it is also a call to action. It is an opportunity to rethink how we live, plan, and interact with the world around us. The question we should be asking now is: where do we go from where we now find ourselves?

We must remember that from the days of old, human societies had always been shaped by their ability to plan for the future. From the earliest agricultural communities that relied on seasons to determine their planting and harvesting, through the industrial age when long-term investments in infrastructure, education and technology goaded unprecedented societal growth and development, the ability to think and plan ahead was always the cornerstone of human progress. In such ancient civilizations as those of Mesopotamia, Egypt and China, long-term planning was integral with survival and prosperity. Throughout history, there have been numerous examples of societies that thrived because the people were able to plan for the long term. Those examples remind us of the necessity of forward-thinking and the potential consequences of losing this ability.

The construction of the pyramids is perhaps one of the most iconic examples of long-term planning. These monumental structures were not just feats of engineering but also symbols of a society that valued the future. The pyramids were built over several decades. They required meticulous planning, resource management, and a stable political environment for them to be built. The Roman Empire is another example of a society that thrived because of its ability to plan for the long term. The construction of roads, aqueducts and cities, as well as the development of a legal system that has influenced modern law, were all products of a forward-thinking people. Citizens of the Roman Empire understood that stability and prosperity depended on their ability to anticipate the future needs and challenges of their people and their preparation to face those challenges.

In China, the Ming Dynasty was known for its long-term planning and investment in infrastructure. The construction of the Great Wall of China, the expansion of the Grand Canal, and the establishment of a centralized bureaucracy all required careful planning and resource management. These efforts helped to ensure the stability and prosperity of the empire for centuries. In the aftermath of World War II, Europe was devastated both physically and economically.

The Marshall Plan and the establishment of the European Economic Community, the precursor to the European Union, were examples of long-term planning that helped to rebuild the continent. These efforts laid the foundation for decades of peace and prosperity in Europe. The construction of massive irrigation systems, the building of monumental structures like the pyramids, and the development of trade routes all required meticulous planning over decades. These societies understood that stability and progress depended on their ability to anticipate and grapple with the future needs and challenges of their communities.

The advent of modern nation-states in the 18th and 19th centuries further concreticised the importance of long-term planning. Governments invested heavily in infrastructure, education and healthcare, laying the groundwork for sustained economic growth and social development. The industrial revolution, with its focus on mass production and technological innovation, marked a period of significant forward-thinking, where entire industries were built with the future in mind.

Then, the 20th century throttled along and brought with it a series of shocks that began to erode this long-term perspective. The two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the Cold War introduced unprecedented levels of uncertainty and instability. These events required immediate responses and so, they prompted a shift in focus from long-term planning to short-term survival instinct. The second half of the 20th century saw a return to stability and prosperity in many parts of the world, particularly in the West. The post-war economic boom, advances in technology, and the expansion of global trade created an environment where long-term planning once again became possible. Governments, businesses, and individuals invested in the future with a renewed sense of optimism.

However, this period of stability was short-lived. The turn of the 21st century became marked by a series of crises that once again shifted our focus from the long term back to the short term. The 9/11 terrorist attacks, the global financial crisis of 2008, the rise of authoritarian governments, the evolution of global terrorists and insurgents in many countries around the world and the global climate crisis, all contributed to a growing sense of global insecurity. The pandemic, which suddenly terminated lives across the globe, accelerated the trend. As a result, the long-term planning that all but came to define human progress gave way once more to a more immediate, survival-oriented mindset. The shift from "Happy New Year", through "Happy New Month" to "Happy New Day" reflected that change. It was the symbol of a world where uncertainty and complete lack of trust in anyone had mostly become the order of the day, and the future was no longer something to be anticipated but, sadly, something to be precautious about, something to be feared.

African Heads of State
We found that the paradigm shift in our values system was attributable to just one word: insecurity. We found consequently that our interminably increasing sense of insecurity was engineered by several factors which included, but were not limited to economic instability, political uncertainty and environmental crises. The global financial crisis of 2008 became a wake-up call for the world economy. The collapse of major financial institutions and the subsequent recession forced governments and businesses to focus on immediate survival rather than long-term growth. The crisis highlighted the fragility of the global economy and the dangers of short-term thinking in financial markets. The rise of populism and authoritarianism in many parts of the world also contributed to a sense of political instability. Leaders who prioritized short-term gains over long-term stability created an environment where the future became uncertain and this led to a decline in the trust we had in government institutions and a subsequent growing sense of insecurity within the society.

Then, we also came to know that the current global climate change was one other reason short-term thinking became the norm today. Climate change and environmental degradation are perhaps the most significant challenges currently facing humanity. The effects of climate change are already being felt across the globe, and the future looks increasingly uncertain. The failure of world leaders to address these issues in a timely manner is forcing society to focus on immediate survival rather than think of long-term sustainability. As they say, technology has turned the world into a global village. The world today has become more interconnected than ever before, and it has also become more insecure. The rise of global insecurity has become a multifaceted phenomenon that, as we have already noted, involves economic, political, social, and environmental conditions that are not confined to any one region or country. They are global in nature.

In our time, we have witnessed the global economy increasingly becoming volatile, with frequent financial crises, trade wars, and economic recessions. The gap between the very rich and the very poor families continues to widen, fanning criminal activities, insurgencies and social unrest. In many parts of the world, unemployment and underemployment have become major concerns, with millions of people struggling to make ends meet. The rise of populism and authoritarianism has led to a decline in the effective performance of democratic institutions and an erosion of civil liberties. In many countries, we have watched political leaders prioritize their own interests over the needs of the people. We have observed corruption, nepotism and unaccountability become the mantra of political parties. All these situations have enforced a loss of trust in the government and fostered a growing sense of social turmoil. The 2020 pandemic also had a profound impact on the world. It exposed the vulnerabilities of global health systems and highlighted the importance of preparedness. To a reasonable extent, the pandemic forced governments, businesses and individuals to focus on immediate survival rather than long-term planning. And so, the downward shift from "Happy New Year" through "Happy New Month" to "Happy New Day" became the result of this new reality.

Thank goodness we knew long ago that social inequalities, discrimination, and exclusion were major sources of insecurity in many parts of the world. As racism, sexism and xenophobia continued to plague our societies, and these had often led to social unrest and violence most times, the rise of identity politics and the polarization of society further worsened our circumstances. With such effects of climate change as rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions, food and water shortages being already felt across the globe, the failure to address these issues in a timely manner only continued to lead to a growing sense of global insecurity.

When we look at the Syrian civil war, we see an example of how insecurity can lead to a humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which began in 2011, has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of millions from their ancestral homes. The war has also contributed to the rise of such extremist groups as the ISIS, which is further helping to destabilize the region.

Venezuela is another country that has been plagued by economic and political insecurity for years. The collapse of their economy, hyperinflation and widespread corruption led to a humanitarian crisis, with millions of people fleeing the country in search of better opportunities. The situation in Venezuela reminds us of the dangers of poor governance and the importance of economic stability.

The conflict in Yemen, which began in 2014, resulted in one of the worst humanitarian crises the world has ever experienced. The conflict led to widespread famine, disease and the displacement of thousands of citizens from their ancestral homes, with millions of people in need of humanitarian assistance. The situation in Yemen highlights for us, the devastating impact of political and social insecurity on a population.

The persecution of the Rohingya people in Myanmar is another tragic example of social insecurity. The Rohingya, a Muslim minority group, has continued to face decades of discrimination and violence at the hands of the Myanmar government. The situation escalated in 2017, when a military crackdown led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Rohingya people who had to flee to neighbouring Bangladesh. The crisis was described as genocide by the United Nations and has highlighted the importance of addressing social inequalities and protecting human rights.

Today, although the integration of global markets has led to economic growth and development in many parts of the world, it has also contributed to economic inequality, with the benefits of globalization often concentrated in the hands of a few stakeholders. The outsourcing of jobs, the decline of manufacturing industries and the rise of the gig economy, the free market system where companies hire independent workers for short term projects, all contributed to economic insecurity for many people. As the spread of ideas, culture, and technology facilitated social change and progress in many parts of the world, so also has it led to the erosion of traditional cultures and social norms, leading to social insecurity for many people. The rise of identity politics and the spread of misinformation on social media have all contributed to social unrest and instability in our days.

In many countries, helpless political leaders were forced by these prevailing circumstances to shift their focus from long-term development to short-term survival. This was often reflected in their policies that prioritized immediate stability over long-term progress. For example, governments could implement austerity measures to address economic crises, even if these measures had negative long-term consequences for social welfare and public services. This focus on survival can lead to a cycle of short-term perception, with leaders more concerned about staying in power and managing the crises than with implementing meaningful reforms. As a result, progress was stalled, and societies had to struggle to address such issues as inequality, corruption and environmental degradation.

The focus on survival is even more evident in our economic behaviour today. Businesses and individuals are increasingly averse to risk, opting for safe, short-term investments rather than pursuing long-term growth opportunities. This can stifle innovation and creativity, because companies might be less willing to invest in research and development or take risks on new ideas. For individuals, the focus on survival could lead to a reluctance to make significant life decisions, such as starting a family, buying a home, or pursuing higher education. The uncertainty of the future and the fear of economic instability can lead people to prioritize immediate financial security over long-term aspirations.

Education, traditionally regarded as the pathway to personal and societal progress, is also being affected by the focus on survival. The insecurity of our environments has led to a shift in educational goals where the emphasis is now on acquiring practical skills for immediate employment rather than pursuing a broad, well-rounded education. This shift has a capacity to limit the potential for personal growth and development, as students could be less likely to engage in creative or critical thinking. It can also have long-term consequences for society, as a focus on short-term skills might not equip individuals with the knowledge or ability needed to address complex global challenges.

Cultural norms and values are also being influenced by the focus on survival. In a world where insecurity is pervasive, there is a tendency to prioritize individual success and self-preservation over collective well-being and societal progress and this could lead people into a culture of competition, where they are more concerned with protecting their own interests than with contributing to the greater good. The rise of social media and the increasing focus on personal branding and self-promotion are examples of how this cultural shift is manifesting itself in our time. What then should we do?

As governance plays a crucial role in determining the stability and security of a society, we should all begin to ambitiously advocate for effective governance across the nations of the world. We should give our support to governance which is characterized by transparency, accountability, and inclusivity, one that can foster an environment where long-term planning and progress are possible again. We should turn our backs on incompetent governance which is marked by corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency, one that can worsen insecurity and lead to a breakdown of social and political order and encourage short term perception.

We should monitor and expose corrupt practices in government which is one of the most significant barriers to effective governance. When public officials prioritize personal gain over the public good, it undermines trust in government institutions and corrodes the social contract between the state and its citizens. Corruption can lead to the misallocation of resources, inadequate public services, and the entrenchment of inequality, all of which contribute to a sense of insecurity. Nepotism, the practice of favouring relatives or friends with appointments to public offices, further compounds the problem. When positions of power are filled on the basis of personal connections rather than merit, it leads to inefficiency and lack of accountability. This can result in poor decision-making, the neglect of important issues, and the failure to address the needs of the population. We must, therefore, shun and if necessary expose and ridicule corrupt and nepotic leaders. We should resist their leaderships.

Accountability is a cornerstone of good governance. When leaders are held accountable for their actions, it ensures that they act in the best interests of the people they serve. In many parts of the world where accountability mechanisms are weak or non-existent, allowing leaders to act with impunity, we must insist that these mechanisms be installed and that leaders must remain accountable to the electorate in all they do in government. Inefficiency in governance can have far-reaching consequences for security and stability. When governments are unable to provide basic services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure, the people must not wait for the situation to degenerate into widespread dissatisfaction and a loss of confidence in the state. The people must speak up immediately and act promptly to awaken the government to its responsibilities.

Leaders play a critical role in shaping the direction of their countries and the world, and their decisions can have far-reaching consequences for security and progress. In times of insecurity, strong and effective leadership is essential to guide societies through challenges and ensure long-term stability. Visionary leaders who can see beyond the immediate challenges and envision a better future for their people should be the ones to be voted into public offices. They are the ones who will be able to inspire hope and confidence in their citizens, even in times of uncertainty. Visionary leaders prioritize long-term goals over short-term gains and are willing to take bold steps to achieve their vision. For example, leaders who prioritize environmental sustainability and climate action demonstrate a commitment to the long-term well-being of their countries and the planet. By setting ambitious goals for reducing carbon emissions, protecting natural resources, and promoting renewable energy, these leaders can help to address environmental insecurity and create a more sustainable future.

The electorate should look and vote for inclusive leaders. Inclusive leadership is essential for fostering social cohesion and ensuring that all members of society feel valued and included. Inclusive leaders recognize the importance of diversity and actively seek to engage with marginalized groups. They work to address the root causes of exclusion and discrimination and promote policies that ensure equal opportunities for all. Inclusive leaders also prioritize dialogue and collaboration, working to build consensus and find common ground among different groups. This approach can help to reduce social tensions and prevent conflict, culminating in a more secure and stable society. We should look and vote for responsive leaders who are attuned to the needs and concerns of their people. They are able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and respond effectively to crises. Responsive leaders prioritize the well-being of their citizens and are committed to addressing the issues that contribute to national or international security. We should look and vote for ethical leadership that is characterized by integrity, honesty, and a commitment to the common good.

Ethical leaders prioritize the interests of their citizens over personal or political gain and are guided by a strong moral compass. They are transparent in their decision-making and hold themselves accountable to the people they serve. Ethical leaders work to build trust between the government and the population, recognizing that trust is essential for social cohesion and security. By acting with integrity and upholding the rule of law, ethical leaders can help to create a more just and secure society.

The security challenges we face in the 21st century require us to reorganise our approach to them. We must appreciate that traditional notions of security, which focused primarily on military defence and concerns are no longer sufficient to address the complex and interconnected threats that we face today. To build a secure and sustainable future, we must adopt a more holistic and inclusive approach to security. Human security, which emphasizes the protection of individuals and communities from a wide range of threats, offers a comprehensive framework for addressing insecurity. This approach recognizes that security is not just about protecting states from external threats, but also about ensuring that people can live their lives free from fear, want, and indignity. Human security involves a broad range of issues which includes economic, food, health, environmental and personal security. By adopting a human security framework, we will be able to prioritize the well-being of individuals and communities and address the root causes of insecurity.

One other important point of note is that security and development are inextricably linked. Sustainable development is essential for achieving long-term security because it addresses the underlying social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to insecurity which undermines development efforts, as it creates instability and disrupts progress. To build a secure and sustainable future, it will become essential to integrate security and development policies. As we move forward, it is essential to recognize that security is not just about protecting ourselves from external threats, but also about creating a world where everyone can live their lives free from fear, want, and indignity. By addressing the root causes of insecurity and working together to build a more just, inclusive and sustainable world, we can create a future where the focus is once again on progress and long-term planning, rather than mere survival.

In the face of our closing-in insecurity and uncertainty, it is easy to become discouraged and lose hope. But rather than do that, let us see that the challenges we face are also presenting us with opportunities for positive change. By harnessing the power of technology, empowering ethical leadership and fostering a culture of resilience and cooperation, we can build a world that is more secure, more sustainable, and more hopeful for all. The question of where we go from here is not just a call to action, it is a reminder that the future is in our hands. The choices we make today will shape the world of our tomorrow. Let us choose wisely, and work together to build a future that is secure, sustainable and full of positive possibilities for our children and our children's children. Let us find a way to return to the good old days of only "Happy New Year".

* Asinugo is a London-based British-Nigerian veteran journalist, author and publisher of ROLU Business Magazine (Website: https://rolultd.com)

   Comments0