Never say never. Because of the economic crisis, habits that seemed unalterable are suddenly being altered. Americans are now saving more and consuming less. Financial institutions are no longer betting the house on risky investments they do not understand. Many wealthy oil-exporting countries are tightening their belts. Everywhere, change is in the air.

Everywhere, that is, except in the way humanity responds to its most menacing threats. You know the list: climate change, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, pandemics and trade protectionism. Not one can be solved, or even effectively contained, without more successful international collaboration. That is not happening.