Opening paragraph

My Easter weekend, with lovely weather beckoning me outdoors, is instead being spent at the computer writing... Sigh.

Humans have found themselves in conflict, whether it be for resources, possessions, or ideals, since the beginning of time. The industrial revolution brought an increase in the speed and the volume of human interaction and thus conflict. The 20^th century saw a world in turmoil, with two world wars, and a worldwide political ideological battle exemplified by the nuclear arms race. Following the fall of the Soviet Union in the early 1990's, it seemed that the world could reach a new level of peace and prosperity. However, a lack of planning, direction, and collaboration, as well as an inability to coordinate with an increasingly complex network of nation states and non-state actors, led to what can easily be perceived as a failure of diplomacy and peace.  As the world continues to change at the dawn of the 21^st Century, it is clear that traditional diplomatic practices and ideals can no longer be applied across the board. It is at this crucial time that the United Nations must examine and modify current practices, so they can be an effective force not only for peace, but for equitable economic growth and social change in the years to come...

Now I just have to write 5-7 more pages describing how and why the UN needs to change. Whee!!