This research reviews the depth of the concepts of societal development. The review of the breadth of the idea of societal development considered the issue in the contexts (1) of societal development as political development, (2) the evolution of the political philosophy of political development, and (3) the future of the political philosophy of societal development. The review of the breadth of the idea of societal development focused on national societal development, often in the American context, with a strong emphasis on the role of national governments. This review of the depth of the idea of societal development continues with the conception of societal development as political development. Whereas the focus in the review of the breadth of the idea of societal development was on national societal development, however, the focus in this review of the depth of the concepts of societal development is on international societal development. Further, where the review of the breadth of the concepts of societal development had a strong emphasis on the role of governments, this review of the depth of the idea of societal development expands that focus to include non governmental entities.
The future of societal development will likely witness an increasing significance for international activities. Thus, it is relevant to consider the approaches that may be usefully employed to understand the future.Futurism implies "certain assumptions about the universe and" humanity's role in the universe (Cornish, 1991, p. 93). Futurists do not attempt to predict precisely what will likely occur at some specific future time. Rather, futurists attempt to offer useful guidance for the future based on reasoned assessments of events and probabilities. This approach is often at odds with public perceptions of futurism.
The future refers to a time that has not yet arrived; thus, futurists must recognize the non existence of the future (C...