WFSF

). Scheduled for presentation to the session on: 'Theories, methods and practices of futures studies' A version of this paper appeared in: Howard F Didsbury Jr (Ed). The Years Ahead: perils, problems and promises. Bethesda MD, World Future Society (

WFS

), 1993, pp 201-207

These may be usefully summarized through the following metaphoric expressions:

• Ungovernable complexity: As evident in the complexity of interweaving problems, factions and vested interests which ensure that every policy proposal has opponents with both impeccable credentials and supporting arguments. Every solution becomes a problem.
• Inappropriateness: As noted in the many arguments against short-term decision making, misuse of resources, and non-assistance to peoples in danger. In this light 'sustainable development' is best described as a vain attempt to 'have one's cake and eat it too'.
• Collective impotence: As seen in the degree of collective inaction and delay evident in responses to crises such as Yugoslavia, Somalia, or to the needs of the former Soviet Union.
• Cover-up: As seen in the inability to respond proactively to the implications and extent of systemic corruption, organized crime, and hidden agendas, or to the manner in which they undermine the best initiatives.
• Eroded credibility: As evident in public disillusionment with politicians, policy-makers and institutions, especially with those claiming an international mandate, reiterating unrealistic appeals, or deploring conditions on which they fail to act.
• Policy vacuum: As noted with respect to both intergovernmental organizations and national governments in endeavouring to reposition themselves in response to a turbulent policy environment.
• Conceptual bankruptcy: As evident in the failure of think tanks and the academic world to offer any insights of relevance to those faced with the challenge of global governance.
• Poverty of vision: As can be seen in the outdated, mechanistic proposals put forward for the reform of the United Nations, which reflects neither the best that human civilization has to offer nor the aspirations of its peoples.

Individually these factors are each quite daunting. Collectively they mark a condition of devastating total gridlock.

Ways beyond such gridlock are considered in the following four sections:

• Varieties of decision-making
• Governance and the challenge of insight cultivation
• Using disagreements for superordinate frame configuration
• Metaphor as a catalytic language for global governance

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