Authored by Gregory Copley via The Epoch Times,

We know that the world is moving into an age of uncertainty. But towards what? Our planning does not extend that far...

We are too preoccupied with the immediate to even consider the longer-term.

And if governments are fighting for or against immediate challenges, are societies fighting for the same reasons, or are they fighting for something more at the core of their identity?

Firstly, we need to look at just some of the immediate vital issues in the global strategic evolution which cannot be ignored, or set aside in favor of pressing domestic issues.

These are the issues defined largely by governments, and take the public along with them. But ask what is it that societies seek, and it goes more deeply than platitudes about “world peace.”

We are now seeing the conclusion of trends of the past few hundred years.

In the longer-term, we are moving—unless strategic consideration is given—into an age bereft of history, identity, and considered values and goals.

So, firstly, let’s look in the short-term:

The longer-term: The current tipping point coincides with the end of the “baby boom” generation, which followed World War II. With its passing, because of the purposeful elimination of historical education, comes a reduced ability to move forward retaining historical cultures, languages, and identity. How, then, will states define themselves and their goals? Will they sink more into mass identity, or will individual thought revive? How long has it been since societies have known for what principles they stood?

Will societies survive and dominate more if they retain identity and long-term purpose? What are the options, at this stage, for retaining historical continuity? For retention of traditions? For re-seizure of education systems? Is there any program, anywhere, to begin planning for the future?

Policymakers may have immediate reasons for engaging in conflict, but societies see the wars as a quest for meaning.

Will states which have regained their old identities—their meaning—prosper best by mid-century?

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times or ZeroHedge.