A number of perspectives on adult education are evident in the international literature, with publications from the Fifth International Conference on Adult Education held in Hamburg, Germany, in July 1997, a particularly rich source of information. A clear trend in the conference and the documents it produced was the critical importance of adult education and adult learning "for fostering ecologically sustainable development; for promoting democracy, justice, gender equity, and scientific, social, and economic development; and for building a world in which violent conflict is replaced by dialogue and a culture of peace based on justice." Publications from the conference discuss roles for adult education in achieving these goals. Lifelong learning is another clear trend in international publications; however, many policies related to lifelong learning emphasize economic issues that focus on human capital rather than social issues, a potentially negative influence on adult education. Globalization is another trend in the international literature of adult education. Globalization involves a shift toward a more global perspective and the breaking down of differences between and among nations. Issues for adult educators related to globalization are similar to those related to lifelong learning. Because it is based on economic changes, globalization emphasizes a human resource development perspective. At issue for adult educators is how to include a more holistic perspective of education into an environment that focuses on economic issues rather than on human values. (This report contains an annotated bibliography listing 17 resources.) (KC)