The Path to Global Unity: Can All Countries Unite?

Discussing the possibility of uniting all countries under one global governance framework presents a complex and multifaceted challenge. The prospect of a single unified country appears daunting for several reasons. Historically, nations have struggled with the integration of diverse populations, leading to conflicts such as those observed in Yugoslavia and Lebanon, which were once hailed as beautifully unified states undone by ethnic strife.

The inherent suspicion and resistance to assimilation often prevent peaceful coexistence among peoples with different cultural, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. This skepticism of the "other" is deeply embedded, making the idea of a truly harmonious, diverse global nation nearly impossible to achieve without significant socio-political transformations.

On the other hand, the rise of multinational corporations (MNCs) offers a different avenue for global integration. As countries grow smaller and more fragmented into ethno-states or weak confederations, these corporations expand their global reach. These elite-led organizations often thrive on diversity, as their success is not tied to a singular national identity but to a more global and interconnected system.

The Rise of Multinational Corporations

The role of multinational corporations in shaping the future of globalization cannot be understated. MNCs are increasingly becoming the driving force behind global trends, with their influence rivaling or surpassing that of individual nations. These oligarchies of competitive, highly capable people have the potential to govern the world in ways that national governments cannot.

MNCs afford a global perspective that is less constrained by national boundaries and more focused on economic efficiency and strategic advantage. Their power to drive innovation and economic growth is unparalleled, leading to a scenario where countries may gradually become less relevant in the face of these global corporate entities.

The Future of Geopolitics

The future of geopolitical power dynamics is increasingly being shaped by these multinational corporations. As MNCs grow in influence, the traditional notions of national sovereignty and governance are being challenged. Political leaders and national policies may become obsolete, as MNCs take on the roles of global governance and regulation.

While the symbolic aspects of national identity, such as flags and anthems, will continue to hold value for people, the real power will lie with these corporate oligarchies. They will have the ability to shape global policies that benefit their interests, even if it means altering national identities or cultural practices.

The Evolutionary Perspective: Group Selection

From an evolutionary standpoint, the concept of a planet-wide group uniting in cooperation faces significant challenges. Evolutionary biologist Maynard Smith’s work, particularly his discussion on group selection, highlights the limitations of achieving widespread cooperation on a global scale. Group selection requires partial isolation among groups, and a large, homogenous group is unsuitable for establishing cooperative traits.

The issue with attempting global cooperation lies in the necessity for group extinction. In a large, diverse group, it is incredibly difficult for altruistic genes (which promote cooperation) to prevail. To overcome this, one might consider a more staggered approach, such as spreading human civilizations across multiple planets and then integrating these planets into individual, cooperative entities.

Conclusion

The unification of all countries into a single global nation remains an ideal that may be too challenging to achieve in the near future. However, the increasing influence of multinational corporations points towards a future where these entities may play a more significant role in shaping global policies and governance.

While the traditional national identity may still hold significance for many, the future lies with the elites who lead these global corporations. Their ability to govern and shape the world in their own interests will be increasingly seen as more powerful than the national bodies we are accustomed to today.