Around the world most people still struggle to exist much the way our ancestors did, but today one quarter of the world's population enjoys a standard of living never before dreamed possible. And thanks to the mass media, the rest of the world knows about it and wants to share in it too.

Dyer considers the roles that consumerism, nationalism, patriarchy, democracy and technology play in the delicate balance of our relationship with the planet we inhabit. As he examines our chances of surviving what he describes as the converging global crises, Dyer finds peril, but also grounds for hope.

The titles in the series are:

The Bomb Under the World - What are the consequences of consumerism taking hold in developing countries, like India?

The Gods of Our Fathers - There is nothing innate in patriarchy and militarism. We can change our culture.

The Tribal Mind - Post-apartheid South Africa is the best example of people struggling to overcome tribalism.