The foundation of democracy is "government of the people by the people and for the people" (Lincoln). The foundation of a representative form of government is "No taxation without representation." This phrase became a symbolic slogan in the 18th century when the colonies that would become the United States were still under British control. It arose from opposition in the colonies to being taxed by a Parliament in which they had no seats. The US achieved its independence from England in 1783, but the phrase "No annihilation without representation" was coined by the English historian Arnold Toynbee in 1947. The meaning of the phrase is, "No one has given anyone the authority to annihilate the human race." Though the US does have great authority, it does not formally represent all the people of the world. That is the purpose of the United Nations. The world is composed of many nations and peoples each with its own unique and valuable culture. Global problems must be solved with the participation of all nations in a context of cooperation and solidarity within the frameworks of the UN and other international institutions.
