Volume 1: World Problems

4th edition, 1994-95, 1 vol., 1,258 pages, hardcover. ISBN 3-598-11225-4. (Individual volume price : DM 548; US$ 245; £280).

The first volume of the 3-volume Encyclopedia of World Problems and Human Potential currently describes 12,000 world problems clustered into 320 overlapping hierarchies in 1,200 pages. The problems are linked by some 120,000 relationships of 7 types. Problems included are those identified in international periodicals but especially in the documents of some 20,000 international non- profit organizations, profiled in th complementary Yearbook of International Organizations.

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 described is now 9,832, with a further 2,380 referenced by index only. New problems for this edition number 1,675. Considerable effort has been devoted to consolidating and improving previous texts (increased by 33%). Over 70% of problems with incidence have been updated. The number of cross-references between entries has increased by 49% to 119,000.

Contents

• Introduction - notes and commentaries
• World problems:
  • Basic universal problems (170 )
  • Cross-sectoral problems (575)
  • Detailed problems (2,162)
  • Emanations of other problems (3,857)
  • Exceptional problems (3,072)
  • Very specific problems (2,153)
  • Problems under consideration for inclusion (214)
• Volume index
• Bibliography
• Notes