An awareness of how a range of global developments is threatening the livelihoods of many millions of the world’s citizens in the early 21st century is sharpening. The realities of climate change and environmental destruction, widening socio-economic inequality, wars and conflicts, and unsustainable transport and business models are among these developments. A striking aspect of the response to them at some senior levels is the combination of genuine engagement and - just when the argument might be getting somewhere - mental blockage. If the latter could be overcome, the results in public discussion and policy decision could be momentous. Read more by Paul Rogers on Open Democracy.