seeking -such as the balance between man and the environment -cannot be imposed from above. They require participation, consensus and the involvement of the public. JP/jl A/S-18/PV. 3 38 (Mr. De Michelis, Italy) The other imperative is to avert regional conflicts, which are often fostered by hegemonic ambitions and which encourage a steady flow of armaments to countries that should have very different priori ties. In the past, the rivalry between the major Powers fuelled prolonged painful and useless conflicts. But the world has also changed in this respect. It is no longer the world in which any adversary of the United States could expect to find the Soviet Union automatically on its side and vice versa. The Assembly must therefore issue an appeal for a drastic cut in defence budgets, such as those sought, apparently with success, by the countries engaged in the military negotiations in Vienna. This new decade will also be one of those periods in history in which those who guide the destinies of humanity, through democratic choices, have a greater responsibility to bear. Our actions today, even in the limited field of the environment, will also affect generations yet unborn. As in every transition period, change entails the risk of a universal trauma, of a widening rift between the two hemispheres that would be far more devastating than any previous ones. The trauma of an ecological disaster that would make living conditions intolerable for most of mankind could prove to be far more real and catastrophic than the threat of nuclear war that has overshadowed us for 40 years. There are many countries that cannot be left to enter the twenty-first century unaided, without the risk of an instability that would ultimately annihilate us all. This means that strong leadership will be needed in the future, particularly 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the need for international cooperation and collective action to address global challenges, specifically the balance between man and the environment, regional conflicts, and the need for strong leadership. These issues are not directly related to economic development or industry, but rather to the broader context of international relations and global governance.

**Category**
Natural resources and environment, International relations