Nayef Al-Rodhan quotes - page 3

Just like the threat of mutually assured destruction from nuclear weapons, an extensive war in space would make space useless, and the decisions taken today will influence the use of space for many generations to come. (Nayef Al-Rodhan)
Considerations of justice are also integral to efforts to generate transcultural security in the first instance and, ultimately, transcultural synergy. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
Focusing purely on extremism, whether in the Arab-Islamic world or the West, will not alleviate the root causes of tensions between members of different cultures. It will only alienate those who do not recognise themselves in those stereotypes, and generate fear and misunderstanding. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
Civilisational triumph is thus not a zero-sum enterprise that favours one geo-cultural domain over another. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
A state's foreign policy should not just be smart, it should also be just. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
We should aim for peaceful coexistence at least and transcultural synergy at best. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
Much like addictive drugs, power uses ready-made reward circuitries in the brain, producing extreme pleasure. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
In my opinion, a life governed by reason is likely to be more dignified than one shaped by dogma and unbridled emotions. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
In the "stealth era,” battlefield strength might just be dictated by the level of stealth or invisibility technology at the disposal of combatants. This is likely to trigger a scientific and technological race, as well as provide new platforms for countries to enhance their prestige domestically and internationally. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
A good governance paradigm that limits excesses of human nature and ensures an atmosphere of happiness and productivity by promoting reason and dignity is required. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
The history of human civilisation is a history of mutual borrowings. (Nayef Al-Rodhan)
Harmonious interstate relations will be guided by the paradigm of Symbiotic Realism that stresses the importance of absolute rather than relative gains. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
Security, stability and prosperity will depend on the application of the multi-sum security principle that captures the multi-dimensional aspects of security and insists on the centrality of global justice for lasting security. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
All policies should be packaged with full awareness of the limitation of human nature (amorality, emotionality and egoism) in both the short- and the long-term. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
Humankind is conceived as primarily motivated by neurochemically mediated emotions resulting from genetic make-up and environmental influences, employing reason and engaging in conscious reflection only occasionally. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
Further, humanity must never be complacent about the virtues of human nature. Therefore, everything must be done at all levels to prevent alienation, inequality, deprivation, fear, injustice, anarchy and the loss of the rule of law. History has shown repeatedly that humankind is capable of unthinkable brutality and injustice. This is often a result of what I call fear(survival)-induced pre-emptive aggression, which may occur no matter how calm the situation appears, although it is not necessarily inevitable. Moreover, where there is injustice that is perceived as posing a threat to survival, humankind will do whatever necessary to survive and be free. In such instances, might (military or otherwise) may not prevail or be the optimal solution. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
Our new concept of just power argues that the promotion of justice should be the aim of modern statecraft, not for altruistic reasons, but because it is the only sustainable way that states can promote progress and stability in a globalised world. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
Human nature as we know it is, nevertheless, malleable and manageable. It may be radically modified as a result of advances in bio-, molecular, nano- and computational technologies. It will therefore be essential to establish a clear code of ethics regulating the use of these technologies sooner rather than later. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
In my view, most human beings are innately neither moral nor immoral but rather amoral. They are driven by emotional self-interest and have the potential to be either moral or immoral, depending on what their self-interest dictates, and will be influenced in their choices by emotions and socio-cultural contexts. Circumstances will determine the survival value of humankind's moral compass in that being highly moral in an immoral environment may be detrimental to one's survival and vice versa. Indeed, our neuronal architecture is pre-programmed to seek gratification and feel good regardless of the reason. All apparently altruistic behaviour serves self-interest at some level. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
Civilisational triumph is important because if it is not actively sought, conflictual relations between members of geo-cultural domains may become a self-fulfilling prophecy. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
Cultural and ethnic diversity benefit humanity's future, survival, strength and excellence, promoting what I call cultural vigour, similar to the way in which molecular and genetic diversity promote "hybrid vigor” in nature and thus strength, resilience and a higher potential for a problem-free future. (Nayef Al-Rodhan)
The notion of innate knowledge (including moral knowledge) is rejected, but that of moral sensitivities is accepted. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
3D printing is going to transform our societies, our freedoms and our sense of security. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan
We are therefore driven by both basic survival instincts and rational thought. View quote
Nayef Al-Rodhan