In the previous article (this article), I talked about the meaning of economic boom and recession. Due to the conflicting desires for collaboration and independence, society sometimes struggles to maintain a balance between these two needs.
That made me consider why governments sometimes try to disconnect global collaborations, intentionally or accidentally. Let’s discuss it.
Why do they stop global cooperation?
Sometimes, we want to know the logic behind unreasonable actions. Since most people make decisions based on their rationality, there must be a reason behind every action.
One example I recently encountered was the unreasonable behavior of social leaders. Contrary to the claim that their social cooperation is important, they deliberately cut ties to other countries.
An example is blocking global trade. Although worldwide cooperation is more efficient for creating abundance, why do they choose inefficiency? That inconsistency confuses us.
In my opinion, one reason is that life fundamentally tries to ensure difference. That makes communities want to reassess their values in relation to others. This logic may show you why social division would be unavoidable for a while. Today, I will explain it.
To be united and to be independent
In my opinion, social division is unavoidable for a while. That is due to a paradox of social efficiency: if many people pursue collaboration, diversification and reevaluation will be necessary.
Society has two aspects of values, as follows:
- Adopting the same efficient lifestyle and becoming united: We cooperate more globally, aiming for fair standards of living.
- Prioritizing the difference and becoming independent: We focus more on being local, aiming to adapt to our unique circumstances.
Despite their contrasting appearances, they are fundamentally inseparable. To be precise, social collaboration is based on difference. Since cooperation means role division, it requires diversity.
If many people try to cooperate more globally and become unified, we must utilize our uniqueness appropriately according to our circumstances.
However, we don’t immediately know what quality is unique or how much value it has. Valuable things need to be evaluated correctly by others.
To accurately assess one’s current value in society, each community needs to be socially disconnected. After each becomes independent, each community obtains what it lacks from others. That allows everyone to share the optimal current value.
Reassessing the power balance
From an international perspective, it is a process of reassessing the power balance.
There are countries that used to be influential but have now lost their status. On the other hand, some countries were insignificant but are currently gaining international influence.
A nation can reassess its strength by disconnecting from other countries. It means that it is stronger not to be troubled.
That is why emerging countries, or sometimes believe in their power, use severing diplomatic ties as a weapon. Despite its short-term inefficiency, it is a socially rational process from the middle-term perspective.
The time to shine
That whole perspective shows us why social division is unavoidable for a while.
In these decades, globalization has progressed, and there has not been a recession that reevaluates the power balance for a while.
That accelerates the ongoing social disconnection, and recent wars have played a role.
For empathic and creative people like us, a disconnected period will be the time to show our talents. We can create new value by utilizing things at hand.
That increases our value and leads to being reevaluated. Don’t be afraid of those around you falling behind. Securing local connections is the preparation needed for now.
Conclusion
That is why social division is unavoidable for a while.
Since cooperation means role division, it requires diversity.
A recession is a process of reassessing the power balance.
This logic may show you the reason for social division and calm you.
Thank you for reading this article. I hope to see you in the next one.
