As the world is entering a new phase of globalization marked by virtually unlimited technological possibilities on the one hand and by very tangible problems of global warming, terrorism and financial uncertainty on the other, the need for new models of society, our relationship with nature and co-existence between countries is becoming more and more obvious. While the West was leading the Industrial Revolution, the East may be instrumental in helping us develop solutions to many challenges that come with it.

This article invites readers to take another look at Japan, the country full contrasts and paradoxes, in search of inspiration and possible answers. Japan, in my view, is a unique example of a highly industrialized democratic (!) society, which is able to maintain its position as a leading economic power, while preserving its core cultural principles and a true union with nature. Perhaps it is one of the working examples of the sustainable development models the West is moving towards- a form of Enlightened Capitalism.

If the 19^th century was the age of the industrial revolution, the 20^th century was the age of technological breakthroughs, which forever changed the dynamic of life and literally made science fiction become reality. While the pace of the technological evolution in principle allows for the possibility of colonization of the Moon (and perhaps even Mars), the question of immediate importance is where we go next as the human race here on Earth? In other words, what models of society and co-existence between countries will work best in the 21^st century? Full Text