* The whole international system--as constructed following WWII--will be revolutionized. Not only will new players--Brazil, Russia, India and China-- have a seat at the international high table, they will bring new stakes and rules of the game. * The unprecedented transfer of wealth roughly from West to East now under way will continue for the foreseeable future. * Unprecedented economic growth, coupled with 1.5 billion more people, will put pressure on resources--particularly energy, food, and water--raising the specter of scarcities emerging as demand outstrips supply. * The potential for conflict will increase owing partly to political turbulence in parts of the greater Middle East.
