We are at a turning point in world affairs. Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of Germany coined the term zeitenwende –“turning point” which captures this time perfectly. [1] Tectonic shifts due to the entangled effects of climate change, demographic trends, income inequality, pandemics, public indebtedness, and technological transformation are roiling our civilization.

Giddens defined modernity as being the evolution of institutions and modes of behaviour which have over the twentieth century become world-historical in their impact. Citing Parsons,he reviews the way in which the emergency of markets, universalization of law and democratic association with citizenship rights, and how democracy supports the effective exercise of power in highly differentiated societies.[2] The relative stability enjoyed in the Global North for the past 75 years has come to an end presenting unprecedented risk; the needs of the Global South are ever more acute. Commercial enterprises, governments, not for profit organizations, institutions, and people are being challenged in their navigation of complex, dynamic and dangerous geopolitical conditions. Now more than ever they need help.

The Illuminate Partners Corp. is your partner in accessing timely intelligence to support sensemaking for action. Whether you are seeking to understand the transition of your organizations’ adoption of a new process or technology, the effect of current affairs on your supply chain, the needs of your customers or suppliers, or the health of your employees, we have bespoke solutions for you. Here in our Zeitenwende blog, you can join our community and add your human intelligence to the conversation. Welcome to the future.

[1] Scholz, Olaf. Foreign Affairs; New York. Vol 102, Iss 1 (Jan/Feb 2023): 22-38.

[2] Giddens A. The Constitutions of Society: Outline of the Theory of Structuration. 2007:  269, Polity Press. Cambridge UK