UN General Assembly
1979

217. First of all, this uncertainty is increased by the fact that the positive trends of detente and disarmament—only recently so clearly discernible—seem to be losing their momentum. Disarmament, while yielding some significant results, is put in jeopardy by the concomitant intensification of the arms race. This threatens the results achieved in terms of enhanced security for the parties themselves and for the world at large. At the same time, it represents an added economic burden on nations and individuals. Patterns of peaceful cooperation based on detente are in danger of being eroded. The use of force is on the increase between nations as well as within them. 218. Secondly, in the world economic system, it has become evident that the old order no longer functions. Yet there are no new mechanisms ready to take their place. Problems of underdevelopment are recognized, but consensus about solutions is yet to emerge. The resulting confusion and uncertainty are something that none of us—whether developing or developed—can afford.