Does Democracy Impede Sustainability in Eurasia?

Abstract

Volker Hauff was Federal Minister of Research and Technology of the Federal Republic of Germany. In 1983, he became a member of the World Commission on Environment and Development set up by the United Nations. The final report of this commission (Brundtland 1987), entitled "Our Common Future,“ defined "environmentally friendly, long-term sustainable development as a global task." Looking back on globalization, general growth, environmental crises and climate change, Dr Hauff recently questioned the ability of democracy to ensure sustainability to a sufficient degree. He closely interlinked notions of sustainability with human dignity. In my paper, I examine the connection global democracy – sustainability – human dignity and what it may mean for Eurasia for future generations.