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

Henry Kissinger

Sep 2014 · Penguin UK

About this ebook

As Henry Kissinger observes in this magisterial book, there has never been a true world order. For most of history, civilizations have defined their own concepts of order, each one envisioning its distinct principles as universally relevant. Now, as international affairs take place on a global basis, these historic concepts of world order are meeting. Every region participates in questions of high policy in every other, often instantaneously - yet there is no consensus among the major actors about the rules and limits guiding this process, or its ultimate destination. The result is mounting tension.

Blending historical insight with prognostication, World Order is a meditation from one of our era's most prominent diplomats on the 21st century's ultimate challenge: how to build a shared international order in a world of divergent historic perspectives, violent conflict, proliferating technology and ideological extremism.

Ratings and reviews

Apart from bits of interesting non-American history, the book is tedious, pompous and self-aggrandizing. A good reminder that our leaders are mostly inept, although that's perhaps unnecessary in the Trump era.

I enjoy history and reading about geopolitics. It helps build my understanding for business and investing and Kissenger is a deep thinker and has rare experience and exposure.

This would be the 'bible' for anyone aspiring to understand relations between countries, geopolitics and international relations in general.

About the author

Henry Kissinger served in the US Army during the Second World War and subsequently held teaching posts in history and government at Harvard University for twenty years. He served as National Security Advisor and then Secretary of State under Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford, and has advised many other American presidents on foreign policy. He received the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Medal of Liberty, among other awards. He is the author of numerous books and articles on foreign policy and diplomacy, and is currently Chairman of Kissinger Associates, Inc., an international consulting firm.