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Dear reader,

The future is upon us.

As the days of summer wax, the horizon-line seems to elongate and it is tempting to see the arc of history – especially this year, as we approach what has been hailed as a “once-in-a-generation” opportunity for profound change in global governance as we know it: the Summit of the Future.

In this special double issue of Mondial, we bring you firsthand perspective from those at the epicenter of the Summit of the Future process, a project envisioned by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres with an aspiration to “create a new international consensus on how to safeguard the future and improve the present.” On the road to the Summit in September, there have been many steps along the way, as you will read in this issue. Our contributing authors are not observers to, but drivers on this hopeful path to an improved United Nations and enhanced global governance architecture. They invite us along with them as they explore and advocate for new ideas and reforms of old ways. Whether or not our common project succeeds and the Summit delivers on its promise has yet to be seen, but you will read how seeds have been planted and soil tilled.

The second part of this double issue focuses on the fulcrum of global governance: law. Recognizing that there can be no peace without justice, we trace a path from the origins of modern international humanitarian law and the birth of the “spirit of The Hague” 125 years ago to current efforts to bring an end to impunity and realize accountability for international crimes that shock the conscience of humanity. These initiatives include progressing proposals toward a Crimes Against Humanity treaty, International Anti-Corruption Court, and UN veto reform.

Finally, we champion scholarship in our book recommendations section with two new publications that provide insight into our movement’s past, with The Idealist: Wendell Willkie’s Wartime Quest to Build One World, and its future, with Keep Hope Alive: Essays for a War-Free World. We hope these works offer inspiration as we meet the present moment and seek a more peaceful, free, just and sustainable world.

As world federalists and allies, we recognize that our movement is built on common purpose and collective action. Your support makes this possible. Please consider giving to sustain and advance Mondial and our shared mission. Thank you for taking this journey with us.

In global solidarity,

The Editorial Board