Meaning: The quote by Susan George, a prominent activist and author, addresses the urgent need for global action on crucial issues such as climate change, environmental protection, and social justice. The quote emphasizes the idea that relying solely on the United States to drive progress in these areas may result in prolonged inaction. Instead, George calls for a collective effort from other nations, particularly those in Europe, Australia, and other developed and middle-developing countries, to take the lead in addressing these pressing challenges.

Susan George, a political scientist and writer, has been a vocal advocate for social and economic justice, environmental sustainability, and democratic governance. Her work has focused on critiquing the impact of corporate power, neoliberal economic policies, and globalization on the global community, particularly in the context of developing countries. Through her writings and activism, George has consistently challenged the status quo and called for a more equitable and sustainable world.

The quote reflects George's pragmatic approach to addressing global issues. By acknowledging the limitations of waiting for the U.S. to take the lead, she highlights the importance of broader international collaboration. This perspective aligns with the principles of multilateralism and collective responsibility in addressing shared challenges that transcend national borders.

The emphasis on Europe, Australia, and other developed and middle-developing countries as key actors in driving change is significant. These regions represent a diverse set of economies, political systems, and cultural contexts, and their collective action can have a substantial impact on global efforts to address pressing issues. By calling on these countries to "do the job," George underscores the need for proactive and decisive measures to tackle complex problems that affect people and the planet.

The quote also suggests a sense of urgency and impatience with the pace of progress on critical issues. George's use of the phrase "waiting for a very long time" conveys a sense of frustration with the slow pace of change and the need for immediate action. This impatience reflects the pressing nature of the challenges facing the world today, from climate change and environmental degradation to social inequality and human rights violations.

In the context of climate change, the quote resonates strongly. The United States, as one of the world's largest emitters of greenhouse gases, plays a significant role in global efforts to mitigate climate change. However, the absence of consistent and ambitious climate policies at the federal level has led to concerns about the country's commitment to addressing this critical issue. As a result, George's call for other nations to take the lead in climate action underscores the need for a collective and inclusive approach to tackling climate change.

Moreover, the quote reflects the evolving dynamics of global leadership and responsibility. As the geopolitical landscape continues to shift, with emerging economies playing an increasingly influential role, the quote underscores the need for a more inclusive and distributed approach to addressing global challenges. It acknowledges that leadership in addressing these issues can and should come from a variety of sources, not solely from traditional global powers.

In conclusion, Susan George's quote encapsulates a call to action for collective international efforts to address pressing global challenges. It emphasizes the need for diverse nations to step up and take responsibility, rather than waiting for a single country to lead the way. By highlighting the importance of broader collaboration and a sense of urgency, the quote reflects George's commitment to driving meaningful change on a global scale.