A New World for Generation Z?

During my first 3 months in France at Grenoble Ecole de Management, I've met more people of different nationalities than in the past 25 years. This rich experience has allowed me to gain many new perspectives on the world. While there are cultural differences, I've found that my generation, in general, is highly receptive and open. I've begun to imagine a world lead by my generation. As a population whose lives’ have been crafted in many aspects by globalization, we are certainly more connected and have greater access to information than previous generations. With common threats, fears, hopes, and aspirations, I imagine a somewhat brighter future on the international stage. This theory is based on the fact that increasing common interests, as a result of a globalization and technology. This will truly be a shift, but the manner and the extent to which it will impact our ability to cohabitate remains unknown. Although Limited resources, corruption, violence, war, and cultural differences will continue to give way to conflict, I am hopeful that Generation Z's interconnectedness, increased awareness, and common interest will pave the way for a new approach to diplomacy and global co-operation. Lessons learned from the failures over the past 3 decades will serve as a reference point for improvement. By 2040, when we can expect to see the generation come into positions of power, we will face a new host of issues unimaginable for us today. What will be the future of developing countries such as India, China, and Brazil? How will a combination of the influx of refugees to Europe combined with an aging population impact policy in the region? What are Generation Z's priorities for Africa, where there remains tremendous potential for growth and development? Which leaders will rise in the Middle East and how will this impact the global struggle with terrorism?The responses to these questions are non-static. Instead, they are molded over time as globalization continues to accelerate, economic interdependencies become apparent, and common interests continue to converge/diverge. Current events mold this highly receptive generation on a daily basis. Our perceptions on events ranging from the Paris attack, rising national debts, and war will drive our interdependency and common interests. Despite the uncertainty, I remain hopeful for a better world.