Visions of a Better World

What if trade wars, sanctions, debt crises, and geopolitical rivalry are not merely political failures, but symptoms of deeper flaws in the architecture of the global economy? In this two-part episode of Visions of a Better World Podcast, Max Tallberg and Astrid Aminoff are joined by Professor Heikki Patomäki and Dr. Konsta Kotilainen both contributors to Deweaponizing Interdependence: Bringing the Idea of International Clearing Union into the Twenty-First Century (available open access), to discuss the book’s central arguments and their relevance in today’s increasingly fragmented world economy.The conversation explores how the current international monetary system contributes to global instability, geopolitical tensions, and economic inequalities. In the first episode, the guests discuss the weaponization of economic interdependence, the limits of monetary hegemony, and why the absence of adequate global monetary institutions may itself be generating conflict. In the second episode, the focus shifts to solutions and the idea of a Global Clearing Union: an international institution that would facilitate trade and financial exchanges through a shared accounting system, helping to reduce global imbalances while encouraging cooperation between both debtor and surplus countries. Inspired by John Maynard Keynes’s original proposal, the discussion considers whether such reforms could contribute to a more stable, democratic, and equitable global order, and what they could mean for the future of humanity and global cooperation.Heikki Patomäki is Professor of World Politics and Global Political Economy at the University of Helsinki and one of Finland’s leading scholars of global political economy, democracy, and global governance. His work explores international relations, economics, philosophy, peace studies, and futures thinking, with a particular focus on democratic transformation at the global level. He has held professorships and visiting positions at institutions including Nottingham Trent University, RMIT University in Melbourne, and the University of Cambridge.Konsta Kotilainen is a postdoctoral researcher in world politics and global political economy at the University of Helsinki whose work explores global governance, monetary theory, economics, and philosophy. His doctoral dissertation on monetary sovereignty and macroeconomic policy autonomy received an international PhD Thesis Prize from the University of Pavia. He is currently writing a book on supranational currency arrangements funded by the Kone Foundation and is also a researcher in the University of Helsinki’s Fragile Frontier (SPACE) project on space governance, resilience, and geopolitical change..Suggested ResourcesGlobal Justice Report 2026Critical Realism & Peace Studies - Keynote Prof. Heikki PatomäkiOur Common Future: World System Scenarios for the 21st CenturyFollow: @globalvisionsry (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok) GlobalVisionsry (YouTube & Linkedin)More information: www.globalvisions.fi/enOur music is licensed from premium beat.

Confronting Climate Change: Justice, Solutions and Future Visions. A panel discussion organised by Global Visions ry. On May 7th, 2025, we gathered at Musiikkitalo in Helsinki to confront the urgent questions posed by the climate crisis and to explore pathways toward justice, sustainability, and transformative futures. As the impacts of climate change continue to intensify, so too does the need for solutions that are equitable, inclusive, and forward-looking. Climate change is not only an environmental issue—it is a question of justice, of systems and structures, and of the futures we choose to create. What does a sustainable and just future truly look like? How can climate policy better reflect the needs and perspectives of the Global South? What forms of economic transformation are necessary to ensure a livable planet? This public panel discussion brought together experts from diverse fields to explore the intersections of climate justice, sustainability, and future-oriented thinking. The conversation examined the responsibilities of individuals, institutions, and global actors in addressing the climate crisis—and the radical changes required to build an equitable world. The event was free of charge and held in English. All those interested in engaging with climate justice and transformative change were warmly welcomed. Guests Associate Professor Senja Laakso (University of Helsinki) Senja Laakso is Associate Professor of Consumption Culture as Social Practices at the Centre for Consumer Society Research, University of Helsinki. She is also Adjunct Professor (Docent) in Sociology of Consumption and Sustainability at the University of Jyväskylä, and in Consumer Research at the University of Helsinki. Her research focuses on everyday life, (un)sustainable consumption, sufficiency, and sustainable wellbeing. Dr. Bonn Judge (University of Jyväskylä) Bonn Juego is a political economist and Senior Lecturer in International Development Studies at the University of Jyväskylä. He currently serves as Chair of the Finnish Society for Development Research. With a transdisciplinary background, his research focuses on the Global South, particularly Southeast Asia and North-South relations. His recent work explores the crises and potential alternatives to capitalism, examining its political-economic, socio-ecological, and technological dimensions. Professor Anja Nygren (University of Helsinki) Anja Nygren is Professor of Global Development Studies and Director of the Doctoral Programme in Political, Societal and Regional Changes (PSRC) at the University of Helsinki. She is also Adjunct Professor of Environmental Policy at the University of Helsinki and Adjunct Professor of Political Ecology at the University of Tampere. Her research focuses on global extractivisms and altered socio-environments, particularly in relation to access to resources, state-making, politics of scale, and the dynamics of socionature. You can also watch the full event on our YouTube channel and website: Follow and learn more: Instagram: globalvisionsry Bluesky: globalvisions.bsky.social TikTok: globalvisionsry Linkedin: Global Visions Subscribe for our panels on YouTube: GlobalVisionsry More information: www.globalvisions.fi/enOur music is licensed from Premium Beat.

In this special episode, we explore the challenges and possibilities facing the Global South in 2025 and beyond. Our guests bring expertise in global development, political economy, anti-racism, and social justice to the discussion:Professor Franklin Obeng-Odoom – Professor of Global Development Studies at the University of Helsinki, specializing in political economy, urban development, and environmental justice.Dr. Bonn Juego – Political economist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Jyväskylä, as well as Chair of the Finnish Society for Development Research (FSDR), focusing on global inequalities and economic alternatives.Dr. Faith Mkwesha – Researcher at the University of Turku and founder of SahWira Africa International (SAWI), a nonprofit advocating for women’s and children’s rights, anti-racism, and decolonial perspectives. Learn more: https://sahwira-africa.org.We begin by examining pressing concerns for the Global South, including the flaws of neoliberal development models, the dangers of global insularity, and the role of intersectionality in building global solidarity. Dr. Mkwesha introduces the African philosophy of Ubuntu—which emphasizes interconnectedness and collective well-being—as a framework for fostering global responsibility and cooperation.In the second half, we shift our focus to future visions, asking:What does an ideal world for the Global South look like by 2050?What alternative economic models could prioritize local needs and autonomy?How can governments, international organizations, and individuals take action to ensure a more just and sustainable future?Join us as we critically unpack the structural challenges facing the Global South while imagining radical possibilities for transformation—from economic justice to anti-racism, from intersectionality to Ubuntu.Suggested Reading:Obeng-Odoom, F. (2025). Book Review: Economic Diversification in Nigeria: The Politics of Building a Post-Oil Economy by Zainab Usman. The Review of Black Political Economy, 0(0).https://doi.org/10.1177/00346446251315935.Global Visions is a non-profit association based in Helsinki, Finland with the purpose of bringing people and organisations together and developing ideas aimed at building a better world.Follow and learn more:Instagram: globalvisionsryBluesky: globalvisions.bsky.socialTikTok: globalvisionsryLinkedin: Global VisionsSee our panels on YouTube: GlobalVisionsryMore information: www.globalvisions.fi/enThe episodes hosts: Astrid Aminoff and Max TallbergOur music is licensed from Premium Beat.

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Heikki Patomäki from the University of Helsinki to discuss his latest book, World Statehood: The Future of World Politics. Patomäki explores the bold idea of a world state as a solution to the complex challenges of global governance.We trace the historical roots of global governance, from cosmopolitan thinkers to post–World War II intellectuals who explored and advocated for the idea of a World State. Patomäki shares his vision for overcoming the limitations of fragmented institutions like the UN and WTO, emphasizing that reimagining global cooperation is vital to addressing existential threats such as climate change, inequality, and geopolitical conflict.World Statehood has been described as a “must-read,” with one recent review stating: “The book convincingly argues that new forms of world political community are possible, but they will only emerge as people reach a larger understanding of their belonging to the planet and not just to countries” (Ikenberry, Foreign Affairs, 2024).Tune in to gain insights into these pressing questions and explore a vision for a better framework of global governance.For more information about Professor Heikki Patomäki:Facebook: Heikki PatomäkiWebsite: https://patomaki.fi/en/who/Follow Us and Connect:Instagram: @globalvisionsryYouTube: GlobalVisionsry (Check out our Panel Discussions)LinkedIn: GlobalVisionsrywebsite: www.globalvisions.fi/enOur Music is Licensed from Premium beat.

As 2024 comes to a close, we face a convergence of escalating crises—climate change, wars, geopolitical tensions, economic instability, and social upheavals. How can the international community address these interlinked challenges? What reforms or strengthening of global institutions might be needed to better navigate this complex polycrisis in 2025 and beyond? We were fortunate to have Docent and Senior Lecturer Risto Marjomaa from the University of Helsinki provide us with an insightful lecture on the State of the World in 2024. Risto Marjomaa is a docent and university lecturer at the Department of Philosophy, History, and Art Studies at the University of Helsinki. His research covers the history of Africa and the Middle East, conflicts and warfare, and global history. Some of his recent work includes studies on Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine, modern racism, and the role of religion in the Sudanese civil war. He has also presented talks on the influence of imperialism and colonialism on present-day conflicts. The lecture was followed by a Panel Discussion with experts from the University of Helsinki. Watch the full lecture here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5d70bBhD9A&t=870sConnect and Follow: Instagram: globalvisionsry YouTube: @global LinkedIn: GlobalVisions www.globalvisions.fi/en

In September we organised a panel discussion: Artificial Intelligence, Democracy and Human Rights at Musiikkitalo terassilämpiö in Helsinki. The full Panel is now available on our YouTube channel: https://lnkd.in/e3y-gWenMore information about the panel: This panel discussion, organized by Global Visions ry, will explore the multifaceted impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on contemporary global issues, with a particular focus on human rights, democracy, and the unique challenges and opportunities AI presents to developing nations in the Global South. Our panelists, representing diverse fields from technology to social sciences, will specifically address the societal impacts of AI. Additionally, the panel will consider future visions of a world in the age of Artificial Intelligence. We have allocated some time for questions at the end of the discussion. Guests:· Professor Teivo Teivainen: A Professor of World Politics at the University of Helsinki. His current research focuses on transnational social movements, global political economy, and theories of democracy. Teivainen has received many awards for his work, including the Amartya Sen Prize at Yale University (2015).· Dr. Matti Nelimarkka (PhD): A University Lecturer at the University of Helsinki. Nelimarkka holds both a Master's Degree in Social Sciences and a PhD in Computer Sciences. Additionally, Nelimarkka is a member of the Digital Content Communities research group (Department of Computer Science, Aalto University) and the Helsinki Institute for Information Technology (HIIT).· Dr. Bonn Juego (PhD): Dr. Bonn Juego (PhD): Senior Lecturer in International Development Studies at the University of Jyväskylä (JYU), and the current Chair of the Finnish Society for Development Research. He is the recipient of the 2024 JYU Good Teacher Award, and the lead researcher of the recent policy study of the Foundation for European Progressive Studies on "Algorithms by and for the Workers: Towards a Fair, Democratic, and Humane Digitalisation of the Workplace". His academic background includes advanced studies in technology governance at TalTech in Estonia and in heterodox development economics at Cambridge University.· Professor Reetta Toivonen: A Professor of Sustainability Sciences at the Helsinki Institute of Sustainability Science (HELSUS). Toivonen is also the Vice-Director of the Centre of Excellence in Law, Identity and the European Narratives and is currently the Project Leader of its Subproject 3: Migration and the Narratives of Europe as an “Area of Freedom, Security, and Justice” funded by the Academy of Finland (2018-2025).

In our latest two-part episode, we welcome three guests from the University of Helsinki. As we explore current events and the global challenges we face, it seems the fatalistic view is prevailing. Institutions like the UN lack credibility and the power needed to intervene and enforce human rights, as the current situations in Gaza and Sudan have shown us. The West continuously illustrates examples of "rhetorical" moralism, demanding democratic values while also holding countries such as Saudi Arabia as their closest allies. Global inequality persists, populism is on the rise, and many of the post-World War II democratic values are perhaps eroding away. In this episode, we discuss these issues, concentrating on universal values, the problem of polarization, climate change, and visions of a better future.Kristian Klockars is a Docent and Senior Lecturer of Practical Philosophy at the University of Helsinki. His research areas include political philosophy, especially the philosophy of democracy and critical social theory (both in the Frankfurt School and post-structuralist tradition).Säde Hormio is an Academy Research Fellow at the University of Helsinki. Hormio’s research focuses especially on collective responsibility, social epistemology, and climate ethics. Hormio’s latest book, Taking Responsibility for Climate Change (2024), discusses, for example, the role of ethical arguments in setting climate policy.Mattias Lehtinen is a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Helsinki. His areas of research include the traditions of contemporary continental political philosophy, post-phenomenological thought, and critical theory. He is especially interested in contemporary political thought and theory.Our Music is Licensed from Premium beat.