World Order : Reflections on the Character of Nations and the Course of History by Henry Kissinger

World Order: Reflections on the Character of Nations and the Course of History

Author: Henry Kissinger

In World Order, Henry Kissinger—one of the leading practitioners of world diplomacy and author of On China—makes a monumental investigation into the 'tectonic plates' of global history and state relations. This work is the summation of Kissinger's thinking about history, strategy, and statecraft.

Taking a perspective from above the globe, it examines the great tectonic plates of history and the motivations of nations, explaining the attitudes that states and empires have taken towards the world from the formation of Europe to the present day.

Kissinger identifies four great 'world orders' in history: the European, Islamic, Chinese, and American. Since the end of Charlemagne's empire, and especially since the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, Europeans have striven for balance in international affairs, first within their continent and then globally.

Islamic states have sought expansion over regions populated by unbelievers, a position exemplified today by Iran under the ayatollahs. For over 2000 years, the Chinese have viewed 'all under Heaven' as tributary to the Chinese Emperor. Meanwhile, America sees itself as a 'city on a hill', a beacon to the world with values of universal validity.

This book explores how these attitudes have evolved and shaped the histories of their nations, regions, and the world. It addresses what happens when these world orders come into contact, how they balance legitimacy and power, and their current conditions in shaping state relations.

To answer these questions, Kissinger draws upon a lifetime of historical study and unmatched experience as a world statesman. His account is rich with observations on historical change, the impact of leadership, and the extent to which states can stray from their defining ideas.

Pages: 432

Publication Date: 03/09/2015