World Problems & Global Issues
The Encyclopedia includes problems which such groups choose to perceive and act upon, whether or not their existence is denied by others claiming greater expertise. Indeed such claims and counter-claims figure in many of the problem descriptions in order to reflect the often paralyzing dynamics of international debate. In the light of the interdependence demonstrated among world problems in every sector, emphasis is placed on the need for approaches which are sufficiently complex to encompass the factions, conflicts and rival worldviews that undermine collective initiative towards a promising future.
The number of world problems now exceeds 56,000. Problems included are those identified in international periodicals but especially in the documents of some 28,000 international non-profit organizations, profiled in the complementary Yearbook of International Organizations.