Post-1968 whirlwind of change overwhelms governments focused on short-term gratification. End of Cold War unleashes nationalism and latent conflicts. Gulf War signals growing North-South tensions and Arab-Muslim humiliation. Nuclear threat persists despite disarmament hopes. Arms sales burden poor countries' development. Economic gravity shifts to Pacific with Japan/ASEAN bloc rising. Three major blocs emerge: North America, Europe, Japan/ASEAN. Africa remains impoverished and absent from economic map. Urban population hits 60% by century end with mega-slums in Mexico City, Lagos, Calcutta. Developing cities spawn shantytowns from rural exodus and high birth rates. Sub-Saharan Africa grain production rises 1.6% yearly versus 5.1% population growth. Africa and Latin America face chronic food deficits from agricultural neglect. Population grows by 1 million every 4-5 days, outstripping food worldwide. No trickle-down from growth reduces poverty in places like India. Deforestation and greenhouse effect threaten climate, biodiversity, soils. Chernobyl and Exxon Valdez highlight nuclear and oil disasters. Drugs rival oil in profits, spreading misery and disease. AIDS emerges as deadly new plague. TV sways electorates and erodes faith in democracy. Market economies demand painful restructuring in ex-communist states.