To use an analogy from economic theory, it is micro-security. Looking down the road 30 or 40 years, one can imagine the emergence of another mega-threat or two. But at least for now, it is the myriad of micro-conflicts that demand our attention. These are the conflicts of the warlords, fought over diamonds. These are the wars of the ethnic cleansers, where killing is a matter of colour, race or religion.
None threatens global stability but each entails unacceptable human suffering.
And they all engage our conscience and our responsibility. In the past, when the international community has decided to intervene, its efforts have often been too late, its mandate insufficient, its resources and commitment lacking. One could argue that each case adds to our experience, and each time we learn our lessons and further develop our capacity for response. Unfortunately, the evidence does not support this argument. The continued pitfalls of a system not quite ready, not quite willing or not willing at all are the too-consistent result.