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The author identifies three failures of 'first wave' environmentalism: a failure to establish the relative urgency of environmental crises compared to immediate economic crises, the lack of a convincing narrative on growth in Agenda 21, and the tendency for environmental agendas to be managed by environmental ministers rather than economic development ministers. While the author praises the UN Secretary General's High Level Panel report for addressing these issues through recommendations on fiscal policy and a sustainable economy, he warns that the 'zero draft' of the Rio+20 outcome document remains largely aspirational and risks falling back into the 'environmental trap'.

The report critiques the U.S. reliance on military force and nuclear deterrence, arguing that such policies create instability and economic decay. It proposes a 'Security Without War' model centered on nonprovocative defense (NPD), where military forces are structured exclusively for defense to avoid provoking adversaries. The authors advocate for addressing the root causes of conflict through sustainable resource management, debt relief for the Third World, and the promotion of 'strong democracy'—characterized by minority protections and civil society—both domestically and abroad. The document also calls for the total international control and eventual disarmament of nuclear weapons, the strengthening of the United Nations and World Court, and the empowerment of municipal governments to conduct non-military foreign policies.