The Call for Unity, Global Cooperation, and Cross-Partisan Engagement in a Divided World

In an era marked by profound challenges — environmental degradation, global security threats, economic inequality, and political instability — it has become evident that our traditional approaches to problem-solving are no longer sufficient. We live in an interconnected world, where the crises facing one nation inevitably affect others. The pressing nature of these issues demands a collective response, yet the global political landscape remains deeply fragmented, with rising populism and increasing partisanship preventing meaningful cooperation. As we reflect on the divisiveness seen in recent elections, such as the UK’s general election and the forthcoming US presidential election, the need for unity, collaboration, and cross-partisan engagement becomes all the more urgent.

The teachings of the Bahá’í Faith offer valuable insights into the necessity of global cooperation and unity. Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, emphasised the oneness of humanity, proclaiming that “the earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” This principle highlights the reality of our interdependence; no nation or community can truly thrive while others are left behind. The interconnected crises of our time, such as climate change, global economic inequality, and security threats, demand a united response that transcends national borders and political ideologies. Without such cooperation, we risk exacerbating these challenges and leaving future generations to inherit an even more fractured and unstable world.

Recent political events have highlighted the growing rift in our societies. The 2024 UK general election was characterised by intense political division, with parties more focused on attacking their opponents than presenting collaborative solutions to the pressing issues at hand. Similarly, the forthcoming US presidential election is poised to be another bitterly divisive affair, with populist rhetoric dominating the discourse. Populism, with its tendency to exploit division and appeal to nationalist sentiments, has created an “us versus them” mentality that hinders constructive dialogue and collaboration. Instead of fostering unity, it deepens the fractures in our societies. Populism, which has gained momentum in recent years across many parts of the world, thrives on the exploitation of societal discontent. It often presents simplistic solutions to complex problems, demonising outsiders, minorities, or political elites as scapegoats. While populism may succeed in rallying support in the short term, it ultimately undermines the potential for long-term, sustainable progress. As Bahá’u’lláh, over 100 years ago, urged, “be united in counsel, be one in thought.” True leadership should focus not on deepening divisions but on seeking common ground, uniting people across political, social, and national lines to tackle the root causes of the crises we face.

One of the most urgent issues that demands global cooperation is environmental degradation. Climate change is an existential threat that no single nation can solve in isolation. From rising sea levels to extreme weather events, the impacts of climate change are already being felt worldwide. Yet, the political will to take bold action remains fragmented, with nations either unwilling or unable to commit to the necessary reforms. In both the UK and the US, populist leaders have often downplayed or outright denied the urgency of climate action, prioritising short-term economic gains over long-term sustainability. However, as Bahá’u’lláh stated, “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” Tackling climate change requires a unified global response, where nations cooperate not just to meet their own environmental targets, but to support the most vulnerable countries that are disproportionately affected by its impacts.

The Bahá’í teachings also underscore the importance of addressing economic inequality, which has become another key issue exacerbated by the rise of populism. The growing divide between the wealthy and the poor has fuelled social unrest and political instability in many parts of the world. As populist leaders promise to restore prosperity to the “forgotten” segments of society, they often do so by scapegoating immigrants, minorities, or global institutions. This inward-looking, protectionist stance only deepens global inequality, as nations retreat into isolationism rather than working together to create a more equitable economic system.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Interpreter of Bahá’u’lláh’s teachings, stressed the importance of unity in solving economic disparities, stating that “without union and harmony this world of humanity would not attain to peace and prosperity.” The Bahá’í vision of unity does not advocate for a one-size-fits-all approach but calls for collaboration across nations, recognising that true progress is made when diverse perspectives are brought together to create solutions that benefit all. Global cooperation, rather than nationalist retreat, is essential to addressing the root causes of economic inequality, such as exploitative trade practices, tax avoidance by multinational corporations, and imbalanced global financial systems.

Furthermore, global security concerns, such as terrorism, cyber threats, and geopolitical tensions, also require a cooperative, rather than divisive approach. Populism’s nationalist rhetoric often focuses on creating divisions, isolating nations from one another under the guise of self-preservation. However, these security threats are borderless by nature. Addressing them effectively requires collaborative knowledge exchange, diplomatic engagement, and multilateral cooperation. Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, wrote that “the unity of the human race... implies the establishment of a world commonwealth in which all nations, races, creeds, and classes are closely and permanently united.” In the realm of global security, this vision is particularly relevant. Only through a collective security framework can we hope to prevent conflicts and maintain peace.

What is urgently needed today is a shift in political culture — one that moves away from the adversarial, populist mindset and toward a spirit of collaboration, consultation, and unity. The Bahá’í principle of consultation provides a valuable model for how decision-making can be transformed. Consultation encourages open dialogue, respect for diverse viewpoints, and a commitment to reaching consensus in the search for truth. In a consultative environment, the goal is not to “win” the argument, but to find the best solution for the common good. Bahá’u’lláh described consultation as “the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding.”

If we are to address the monumental challenges facing our world — environmental degradation, economic inequality, global security, and more — we must embrace a new way of thinking. Political leaders in the UK, the US, and beyond must move beyond the partisan battles and populist rhetoric that have dominated recent elections. They must engage in meaningful cross-partisan dialogue and work together, both within their countries and on the global stage, to create sustainable, just, and effective solutions.

As we look ahead to the 2024 US elections and reflect on the divisiveness of the recent UK election, it is clear that the time for unity and global cooperation is now. The Bahá’í teachings offer us a roadmap for how we can move forward — not by erasing our differences, but by embracing them, working together across political lines, national borders, and ideological divides. The question is no longer whether unity and collaboration are possible, but whether we can afford to live in a world without them. Only through collective effort can we hope to mitigate the global challenges that threaten our future and ensure a better world for generations to come.

"The Call for Unity, Global Cooperation, and Cross-Partisan Engagement in a Divided World", written by Nabil Rastani