rights to private property, private associations, a just wage, and to discharge freely religious duties (#6-9). Rerum novarum'''s criticism of socialism and liberalism is still relevant today (#10). Rerum novarum's emphasis on the rights of the poor and the defenseless gives testimony to the continuity of the option for the poor (#11). The guiding light of Rerum novarum is its view of human dignity (#11). Toward the "New Things" of Today The fundamental error of socialism is its misunderstanding of the human person as simply an element (#13). This error springs from atheism and results in a distortion of law and human freedom (#13). Atheism and contempt for the human person cause class struggle and militarism (#14). The State, respectful of the principle of subsidiarity, has a positive role to play in determining the juridical framework of economic affairs (#15). The role of the workers' movement in economic reform has been an important one (#16). Rerum novarum opposed ideologies of hatred and showed how violence could be overcome by justice (#17). Since 1945, in Europe, there has been a situation of non-war but not genuine peace: many people lost the ability to control their own destiny; an "insane" arms race swallowed up vital resources; violent extremist groups found ready support; the atomic threat oppressed the world (#18). After World War II, decolonization occurred. Genuine independence of developing nations is impeded by foreign economic and political control and the lack of a competent professional class (#20). Since 1945, the awareness of human rights—with the United Nations as a focal point—has grown (#21). The UN has not yet succeeded in establishing a continuously favorable development aid policy or an effective system of conflict resolution as an alternative to war (#21) End of the Cold War In 1989: in Eastern Europe, oppressive regimes fell; some Third World countries began a transition to more just and participatory structures (#22). The Church's commitment to defend and promote human rights was an important contribution to the events of 1989 (#22). Factors that contributed to the fall of oppressive regimes: violation of workers' rights (#23); inefficiency of the economic system (#24); spiritual void brought about by atheism (#24). Non-violent, peaceful protest accomplished almost all of the changes in Eastern Europe (#23). The events of 1989 would be unthinkable without prayer and trust in God (#25). The events of 1989 illustrate opportunities for human freedom to cooperate with