Living in and coping with world risk society - 42nd St. Gallen Symposium

Summary

The transcript presents a thought-provoking lecture by Professor Beck on the concept of 'world risk society,' a state of modernity where society grapples with unprecedented risks and uncertainties. He discusses the challenges of conveying the dangers of nuclear waste to future generations as an example of the broader issue of managing risks that extend beyond national borders and the control of current institutions. Beck emphasizes the ambivalence of global risks, which can lead to both negative and positive outcomes, and the need for a cosmopolitan approach to risk management that transcends national boundaries. He suggests that the current crisis of modernity is not a failure, but rather a consequence of its success, and calls for a paradigm shift in the social sciences to better understand and respond to global risks. The lecture concludes with an exploration of the potential for global risks to serve as a catalyst for new forms of statehood and international cooperation.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The concept of a 'world risk society' involves global risks that transcend national boundaries, requiring international cooperation to manage.
• ⚠️ Modern societies are characterized by the production and management of risks that are often self-created, such as those related to nuclear waste or climate change.
• 🧩 The complexity of contemporary risks means that traditional institutions and nation-states struggle to address issues that affect humanity as a whole.
• 🕵️‍♂️ The 'cosmopolitan moment' refers to a point in time where global risks or events make people realize the need for collective action across national borders.
• 📉 The financial crisis and climate change are examples of global risks that have the potential to destabilize the existing order and necessitate a new approach to governance.
• 🔍 The distinction between risk and catastrophe is important; risk implies the anticipation of potential future disasters, which is a key aspect of modernity.
• 🚧 The 'irony of risk' suggests that the very success of modern institutions in controlling uncertainties can lead to the creation of new, unanticipated risks.
• 🌐 Global risks have three features: delocalization, indeterminacy, and non-compensability, which challenge traditional methods of risk management.
• 🤔 The 'enlightenment function' of global risks refers to their potential to expose the limitations of current societal structures and catalyze the creation of new institutions.
• 📚 Social sciences need a 'cosmopolitan turn' to better understand and analyze the global dynamics and interdependencies of the modern world.
• 💡 The idea of 'cosmopolitan nationalism' suggests that national interests can be pursued through cooperation with other nations, reflecting a new form of global politics.

Q & A

What was the central problem the US Congress' expert Commission faced regarding American nuclear waste?

The central problem was how to design a language or symbolism that could effectively convey warnings about the threats posed by American nuclear waste to future generations, even ten thousand years from now.

What was the composition of the expert Commission established by the US Congress?

The Commission included a diverse group of experts such as physicists, anthropologists, linguists, NOAA scientists, psychologists, biologists, classical scholars, artists, and theologians.

What is the 'irony of risk' that the lecture discusses?

The 'irony of risk' refers to the ambivalence of being at risk, which is a way of being and ruling in the world of modernity. It highlights that being at global risk is a human condition at the beginning of the 21st century, despite the widespread feeling of doom.

What are the three features that characterize global risks in the context of world risk society?

The three features are delocalization (risks not limited to one geographical location), incalculability (consequences are based on hypothetical risks and scientific uncertainty), and non-compensability (once a global catastrophe occurs, it is too late and cannot be compensated for).

How does the concept of 'organized irresponsibility' relate to global risks?

Organized irresponsibility refers to the lack of a clear agent or entity that can be held responsible for the consequences of global risks. It reflects a systemic issue where no one is accountable for the potential outcomes of large-scale risks.

What is the 'cosmopolitan moment' in the context of world risk society?

The cosmopolitan moment is a latent revolutionary state in which the normalcy and emergency states overlap, leading to a situation where global risks break down national boundaries and create a shared global space of threat. It is a moment that can inspire conflicting responses and can be a vital step toward constructing new institutions.

Why is there a need for a paradigm shift in the social sciences according to the lecture?

There is a need for a paradigm shift in the social sciences because the traditional nation-state frame of reference, or methodological nationalism, prevents the social sciences from fully understanding and analyzing the dynamics, ambivalences, opportunities, and ironies of world risk society.

What is the role of 'organized irresponsibility' in the context of modern society?

Organized irresponsibility refers to a systemic issue where there is no clear responsibility for the consequences of certain actions, particularly in relation to risks and catastrophes. It is a feature of modern society where the complexity and scale of operations can lead to a diffusion of accountability.

How does the concept of 'world risk society' challenge traditional economic models?

The concept of 'world risk society' challenges traditional economic models by highlighting the limitations of these models in addressing and anticipating large-scale, global risks. It suggests that mainstream economics has often neglected the role of uncertainty and the 'unknown' in decision-making processes.

What does the 'cosmopolitan moment' offer in terms of opportunities for society?

The 'cosmopolitan moment' offers opportunities for society to reevaluate its priorities and structures, promoting a more inclusive and cooperative approach to global challenges. It can lead to the creation of new institutions and policies that are better equipped to handle transnational risks and uncertainties.

How does the 'world risk society' concept relate to the individual's perception of risk in their personal lives?

The 'world risk society' concept can be related to the individual's perception of risk in personal lives by highlighting how modernity has increased both the awareness and the complexity of risks. It suggests that individuals may seek out risks in their personal lives as a way to cope with or counterbalance the perceived risks in the broader society.

What is the significance of the 'cosmopolitan turn' in the social sciences?

The 'cosmopolitan turn' in the social sciences signifies a shift towards a more global and interconnected perspective that moves beyond the limitations of methodological nationalism. It emphasizes the importance of understanding social phenomena within a global context, recognizing the interdependence and complexity of modern society.