Solving Complex Problems, Helping a World in Crisis

Dear Colleagues,

COVID-19, racial violence, unemployment, poverty and economic depression, climate change, terrorism, mass migration, and the spread of weapons of mass destruction are among the most visible contemporary global threats that, each by themselves, severely disrupt not only our way of life but potentially also our ability to live. These threats are interconnected; they cause each other and, in combination, magnify their damaging impact on communities, society, international relations, and our ability to live together or, at a minimum, coexist peacefully. Some experts have called these problems “existential threats” ([1] Buzan et al. 1998) that require the use of extraordinary measures to address them. Others refer to these existential threats as intractable or “wicked” problems ([2] Rittel and Webber 1973) that are not easily definable and do not have clear solutions. Complex problems do not occur in a vacuum and, as Rittel and Webber (1973) suggest, “can be considered to be a symptom of another problem” and if the problem is attacked “on too low a level (an increment), then success of resolution may result in making things worse, because it may become more difficult to deal with the higher problems” (p. 165). Complex problems are inextricably interrelated with other complex problems, and may exacerbate existing problems or trigger new ones.

How can we effectively address complex problems? What course(s) of action can or should we take as communities, societies, countries, and with international partners to counter problems that threaten to undermine peace, development, and prosperity for us and future generations? How can we create the conditions that enable every human and our natural and physical environment to flourish? What, if any, are factors that could replace fear with hope for a better future? These are among the questions we seek answers to in this Special Issue of Societies. We invite your contributions that examine all aspects of complex problems and develop recommendations for how to address them locally, domestically, as well as internationally.

Contributions must fit within one of the three categories of papers (article, conceptual paper, or review) of the journal and address the topic of the Special Issue.

References

1. Buzan, Barry. Ole Waever and Jaap de Wilde. Security: A New Framework for Analysis. Boulder, CO and London; Lynne Rienner: Boulder, CO., USA, 1998.
2. Rittel, Horst and Melvin Webber. Dilemmas in a General Theory of Planning. Policy Sciences 1973, 4, 155–169.

Prof. Dr. Volker Franke
Guest Editor

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