I think there's are many reasons to be optimistic. Here are a few:

(1) I see the European Union as a promising prototype for future regional governments and perhaps, one sunny day, for world government.

(2) There's an ever growing opposition to settling differences by violent means, especially wars.

(3) Related to (2), imperialism, either through action or attitude, is increasingly recognised as indefensible.

(4) Science and technology are mushrooming (oh dear, that was inept).

(5) Evidence suggests that we are moving slowly but inexorably toward a single world language.

(6) More than ever before, people are talking to each other about issues crucial to the future health and sustainability of our Type 0 civilisation.

"Time is what prevents everything from happening at once" - John Wheeler