In a profound discussion with Jam With Sam, host Sampath Iyengar welcomes Sundeep Waslekar, the author of A World Without War, a visionary book on achieving global peace. With an expansive background in peace-building and foresight, Waslekar delves into the harrowing realities of today’s geopolitical landscape, the looming threats of nuclear and biological warfare, and a blueprint for a sustainable, war-free future. Here are the highlights from an eye-opening conversation that underscores the urgent need for resilience, forward-thinking, and unity.
A Journey Defined by Resilience
Sundeep Waslekar’s journey from a humble beginning in Dombivli, India, to studying at Oxford on a rare scholarship, is a testament to resilience. Facing financial and social hardships, he explains how these struggles instilled in him a mindset of perseverance. This resilience would become a core principle in his life, helping him navigate challenges on a global scale, including a traumatic experience with his son’s health crisis. Drawing on his personal story, Waslekar emphasizes that resilience is not just essential for individuals but for nations to overcome complex challenges and build a peaceful world.
Strategic Foresight Group: A Vision for the Future
Waslekar’s ambition to foster peace led him to establish the Strategic Foresight Group (SFG), a think tank dedicated to anticipating and addressing potential crises before they erupt into conflict. He explains that SFG initially focused on engaging with governments and terrorist groups to shift their focus from past grievances to a shared vision for the future. By encouraging leaders to look ahead rather than dwell on historical injustices, Waslekar aimed to reshape narratives rooted in vengeance into ones centered around proactive peace-building and constructive dialogue.
The Normandy Manifesto and “A World Without War”
At the heart of Waslekar’s mission is the Normandy Manifesto, a collaborative effort between Waslekar and a group of Nobel laureates to outline a path for global peace. This manifesto evolved into his latest book, A World Without War, which he wrote during the COVID-19 lockdown. Waslekar describes this work as an urgent call for humanity to acknowledge and address existential threats, particularly the risks of nuclear warfare and artificial intelligence-controlled weapons. He hopes that his book will inspire individuals and leaders alike to work towards de-escalation and the abolition of war.
The Reality of Nuclear Threats
Waslekar provides a sobering account of the nuclear threat that looms over humanity. With over 10,000 nuclear weapons globally and 2,800 on high alert, he warns that a single misstep by global leaders could trigger catastrophic outcomes, wiping out half the world’s population in mere hours. Through compelling anecdotes, Waslekar highlights how such an escalation could begin with a single political decision, followed by irreversible devastation. The book outlines strategies to mitigate these risks, emphasizing the importance of international collaboration, transparent policies, and diplomatic efforts to prevent nuclear conflict.
Artificial Intelligence and Biological Threats: The Next Frontier
In addition to nuclear threats, Waslekar warns of emerging dangers posed by artificial intelligence and biological warfare. He highlights how autonomous weapon systems could potentially make independent decisions, risking accidental escalation into global conflict. On the biological front, he references experiments that could one day lead to pathogens engineered to consume vital resources like oxygen, presenting a new form of existential threat. Waslekar argues that addressing these dangers requires not just scientific innovation but also ethical leadership and a commitment to international oversight and cooperation.
A Call to Action for a World Without War
Waslekar’s conversation with Sampath Iyengar concludes with a call to action for global leaders and citizens alike. He stresses that achieving a world without war will require questioning outdated assumptions, embracing bold diplomatic strategies, and fostering a collective awareness of the stakes at hand. Reflecting on his recent meeting with India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, he expresses cautious optimism that leaders are beginning to recognize the urgency of these issues. Yet, Waslekar insists that individuals, too, have a role to play by advocating for peace and supporting policies that prioritize sustainable coexistence over divisive conflict.
About Sundeep Waslekar
Sundeep Waslekar is a respected author, strategist, and founder of the Strategic Foresight Group, known for his expertise in global conflict resolution. Through books like A World Without War, he seeks to educate and inspire action toward a safer, war-free world. Sundeep’s work has influenced leaders and policymakers worldwide, emphasizing the need for resilience, collaboration, and innovative approaches to peace.