- We are witnessing a resurgence of wars of aggression and expansionism, waged by authoritarian or dictatorial regimes, which seek to justify their actions through ideologies based on nationalism, the cult of force, the glorification of a national identity that is irreducible and irreconcilable with others – and thus on the very negation of the idea of the universality of rights and the shared humanity of all people.
- The imperial worldview is founded on a principle of inequality. Weaker countries are viewed as objects of conquest or control, never as partners. Democratic societies, designated as enemies by the neo-empires because they offer an alternative to absolute power, must be defended against wars of aggression.
- Major powers engage in wars of aggression, threaten to use force against their neighbours, and flout the very concept of international law. Furthermore, civil wars are ravaging many countries around the world, causing extremely serious humanitarian disasters. These internal conflicts are often fuelled by rivalries between powers and the race for natural resources. The populations suffer considerably under the rule of warlords.
- This serious regression is linked to the rise of authoritarianism and attacks on democracy and human rights. Authoritarian regimes are emerging in countries that were previously democratic, whilst dictatorial regimes are becoming more repressive and crack down mercilessly on universal aspirations for freedom.
- The cynical application of the law of the jungle in international relations is linked to the establishment of authoritarian, unequal and kleptocratic regimes. The rise in economic inequality is one of the main causes of the success of authoritarian and nationalist policies. A political power that is authoritarian and corrupt on the domestic stage also behaves in a predatory and unrestrained manner in international relations. Politics, both domestic and international, is placed at the service of the ruling oligarchy and its business interests.
- We humanists promote peace and international solidarity. The Amsterdam Declaration (Declaration of Modern Humanism) sets out our commitment: « We are confident that humanity has the potential to solve the problems that confront us, through free inquiry, science, sympathy, and imagination in the furtherance of peace and human flourishing.”
- The Oslo Declaration clarifies and proclaims our commitment to peace and a more peaceful culture. The recent Position Statement: The Global Challenge to Liberal Democracy, Pluralism, and Universal Human Rights states that secularism is a democratic foundation: “political secularism, the neutrality of the state regarding religion or belief, is indispensable for the stability of liberal democracy, et que “liberal democracy, characterized by secularism, pluralism, the rule of law, the separation of powers, and the guarantee of individual rights for all remains the political system most consistent with the ethical ideals of humanism”
- The rise of private technological power – more powerful than many states – seeking to extend its dominance without accountability, is exacerbating the crisis of democracy. The temptation to establish technological governance must be resisted, and democratic debate must be fully restored.
- Whilst authoritarianism thrives on anarchy, exploiting and perpetuating it, democracy and respect for human rights are, on the contrary, the best guarantee of international relations based on diplomacy, multilateralism and the non-use of force.
- The behaviour of permanent members of the UN Security Council, who bear the primary responsibility for maintaining peace, yet attack and threaten their neighbours, has plunged the United Nations into a deep crisis. However, the principles of the United Nations are the only ones capable of ensuring world peace, and must be reaffirmed and the UN’s functioning renewed.
- International relations based on the rule of law and multilateralism are fostered not only by the existence of democracy, but also by policies that combat inequality. Society cannot be reduced to an arena of endless competition between individuals, but must be a place where everyone has their place, and where solidarity is guaranteed. Similarly, relations between peoples must be based on a renewed sense of international solidarity, in order to ensure the reduction of inequalities between countries and the realisation of economic, social and cultural rights as well as civil and political rights;
- The struggle for a peaceful international society therefore involves the fight for democratic societies that respect the rule of law and human rights, and strive to improve people’s conditions. It also involves policies aimed at reducing economic inequalities, both within societies and between countries.
- In the face of the rule of force, humanism promotes peaceful international relations, founded on law, equity and solidarity. There is an urgent need to renew multilateralism on a more democratic basis, involving all those who reject the rule of brute force, and by supporting humanists and democrats throughout the world.
Suggested academic reference
'Rebuilding multilateralism', Humanists International, General Assembly, Ottawa, Canada, 2026