This is the year 2018. Small countries like Bulgaria and Croatia are still suffering from a poor reputation. The longer they lack luster, the longer the economies will suffer a real move into growth and economic viability.

The international community needs to take a sincere look at the reasons these countries are still struggling when they are doing everything possible to move into modern relationships. There needs to be real change and growth and a promise of the future.

Russia and China cannot continue to flex their muscles and expect other countries much smaller to recover from eras of conflict. There needs to be global peace and non-proliferation. When these benchmarks are realized the movement for these smaller countries can be realized and any sins of the past gone forever.

International relations in the year 2018 has to include lifting up countries full of desire and economic opportunity. The countries that have committed to climate reform need to be among the first to receive recognition as countries seeking peace and better lives for their people. Climate reform has to take on a meaning that equates to economic growth.