Ferencz lecture: Fourth Freedom Forum

Host: Jeff Richmond. Includes segments of interview with Benjamin Ferencz, among others. The Fourth Freedom Forum, an organization devoted to securing the fourth freedom (freedom from fear) through a worldwide reduction of armaments, developed this film to describe a new approach to defense: The Civilized Defense Plan. It creates a way of living that respects the lives of others and uses economic power to maintain world peace. Participants include: a) Lloyd J. Dumas, Professor of Political Economics, University of Texas; b) Carla Johnston, Executive Director of New Century Politics; d) Paul Walker, co-director of the Institute for Peace and International Security; e) Michael Clossen, Director of the Center for Economic Conversion; and e) Benjamin Ferencz. Ferencz discusses the principal role (obligation) the United States should play in this vein as a democratic, the wealthiest, and most powerful nation in the world. He explains that economic sanctions must consider the basic needs for human dignity and sustenance. Also, Ferencz expresses the need for agreement among powerful nations to accept a regime which is guided by international law, a system of international courts, and a system of more effective enforcement. Such components will help develop rational structure and a peaceful world. He insists upon thinking in planetary terms. Finally, Ferencz stresses the reality of an interdependent global community that will refine, implement, enable, change, and build the future. Screen quote by Albert Einstein reads: "Past thinking and methods did not succeed in preventing world wars. Future thinking must prevent wars...."