Content
This section of the Encyclopedia groups together detailed and sectorally specialized problems. The problems in this section tend to be permutations and combinations of the broader problems described in sections Basic universal problems, Cross-sectoral problems, and Detailed problems.
Many of the problems in this section are parts of sets or series resulting from such combinations. Whereas the earlier sections aim to be comprehensive in coverage, this section does not necessarily include all potential problems forming part of such series.
Also included are the very detailed problems which would otherwise be allocated to Section G (index only). These are included when the information available, or the pattern of cross-references, suggests that it would be of value to see them as part of the problem network.
Note that further information relevant to an understanding of the problem may be present in other problems cross-referenced in the entry consulted.
This section groups 3,857 problems for which there are 28,181 cross-references.
Rationale
Whereas the problems allocated to earlier sections tend to be the subject of distinct studies, conventions or organizational programmes, those in this section tend to emerge from the paragraphs and sub-paragraphs of documents which may only incidentally be problem-focused. Problems at this level of detail frequently escape information collection procedures and are easily ignored as side effects of broader problems. It is also the case that these problems may be more readily detected in practical situations.
Method
The entries are based on information obtained from international organizations, from a wide variety of reference books, or as reported in the international media. The procedures for identifying world problems are described in the Notes.
Index
A keyword index to entries is provided. Entries are also cross-referenced from the section on Human Values and Wisdom on the basis of the negative value words in the principal or alternative names of the problems. It is such value operators which render the problem "problematic".
Comment
Detailed comments are given in the Notes.
Reservations
The emphasis throughout this volume has been placed on providing descriptions of less well-known problems, particularly when the extensive material available on the better known problems contained neither succinct descriptions of them nor descriptive material which could easily be reduced to succinct descriptions. The problem descriptions here represent a compilation of veiws from published documents (usually from interantional organizations). A description does not necessarily constitute the best possible description of the problems since a compromise has had to be struck between availability of information, the resources to process it, and the space available in this volume.
In a number of cases a problem could have been allocated to another section. Inclusion of a problem in this section, rather than in a preceding or following section, has been based on a number of factors. The position of the problem in one or more heirarchies of cross-references was a major factor in determining its allocation to this section.
Possible future improvements
There is much scope for improving the quality of problem entries through feedback from interested bodies. More bibliographic references could be included where appropriate, as well as references to major resolutions concerning those problems recognized by the United Nations. There is also much scope for improving the pattern of cross-references, both between problems, to other sections of this volume (eg values) and to the thousands of internationally-active bodies in the companion series Yearbook of International Organizations).