The role of universities in peace and social development has to be viewed in the context of pressing global problems and the central issue of human survival in an increasingly interdependent world. We know that concerns such as poverty, homelessness, violence and environmental and developmental crises are no longer confined to one nation. What were once, for example, local incidents of social dislocation or pollution, now involve multiple linkages that transcend national boundaries. It is also presumptuous to think that any one institution or group by itself - be it the United Nations, the non-governmental organisations or the universities - could deal with problems that are unprecedented in terms of increases in rate, scale and complexity. Given this context, the article advocates a collegia! and interdisciplinary role for universities in working towards peace and development in a militaristic, hostile world en vironment. S ustainable social development is only possible when structural inequalities and exploitative relationships have been exposed and efforts made to remove these inequalities. In the struggle for this new global dispensation, universities have a vital role to play.
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