This book is a superb introduction to the world and global issues. Richard Haass has been able to write something that is brief, readable and yet comprehensive marked throughout by his trademark intelligence and common sense. Fareed Zakaria
A clear and concise account of the history, diplomacy, economics, and societal forces that have molded the modern global system. Foreign Affairs
Condensing so much complexity into a lucid 400 pages is no small accomplishment. The New York Times
This is the book that explains how the world really works, how it is changing, and why it matters. Just what every citizen and student needs to read. Madeleine Albright
This terrific work delivers completely on its promise to provide readers with a basic understanding of the world. It is hard to imagine anyone more suited for this ambitious task than Richard Haass. His narrative flair, depth of experience, and wide-ranging knowledge sparkle on every page. Doris Kearns Goodwin
Richard Haass has just reinvented the primer something for everyone to read this summer. High school students, undergrads, grads in all disciplines and a few people in the nation s capital will benefit. Rachel Kyte, Dean, The Fletcher School, Tufts University
An essential book just what the world needs now to put things in perspective. Ray Dalio
Richard Haass explains the world to us in a thoughtful, comprehensive and accessible way. At a time when our world is changing faster than ever and becoming more interconnected and complex it has never been more important to be globally literate. Our future depends on it. Arne Duncan
A comprehensive analysis of our world a valuable guide for every alert citizen as well as for scholars and students of international affairs. New York Journal of Books We are all being bombarded by strong views designed to conjure up emotion over sound judgement, which makes it very grounding to have The World. It is a great read for anyone who wants to have a sound background before deciding to retweet the latest crazy article making the rounds! Kal Penn
This is a great book that every high school and college student, as well as teachers and parents, should read. An indispensable resource to educate global citizens. Professor Fernando M. Reimers, Harvard Graduate School of Education
The World explains important concepts clearly and fairly and offers an excellent overview of global affairs . . . Those who read and even study The World will be educated, stimulated and challenged. They will become better global citizens. Washington Diplomat
One core premise of this necessary book is that the three great scourges of our time COVID-19, nuclear weaponry and climate change cannot be resolved without a global outlook. Dr. Richard Haass, author of The World and 14 other books, is here to teach us. This book is aimed at a wide, inclusive audience. Haass style is fulsome yet facile. He guides us on a rich, region-by-region world tour. The most fascinating feature of each treatment is looking ahead his fearless, in some cases, provocative analysis of what he feels is in store for a given corner of the globe. Providence Journal
CONTENTS
PREFACE xv
PART I: THE ESSENTIAL HISTORY 1 From the Thirty Years War to the Outbreak of World War I (1618 1914) 5 From World War I Through World War II (1914 1945) 14 The Cold War (1945 1989) 29 The Post Cold War Era (1989 Present) 43
PART II: REGIONS OF THE WORLD 59 Europe 67 East Asia and the Pacific 82 South Asia 97 The Middle East 111 Africa 131 The Americas 143
PART III: THE GLOBAL ERA 155 Globalization 159 Terrorism and Counterterrorism 166 Nuclear Proliferation 173 Climate Change 183 Migration 193 The Internet, Cyberspace, and Cybersecurity 201 Global Health 208 Trade and Investment 215 Currency and Monetary Policy 230 Development 240
PART IV: ORDER AND DISORDER 251 Sovereignty, Self-Determination, and Balance of Power 257 Alliances and Coalitions 264 International Society 270 War Between Countries 280 Internal Instability and War Within Countries 288 The Liberal World Order 296
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 305 WHERE TO GO FOR MORE 309 NOTES 315 INDEX 371
Dr. Richard Haass is president of the non-partisan Council on Foreign Relations. An experienced diplomat and policymaker, he served as the senior Middle East advisor to President George H.W. Bush and as Director of the Policy Planning Staff under Secretary of State Colin Powell. A recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal, the State Department's Distinguished Honor Award, and the Tipperary International Peace Award, he is also the author or editor of fourteen other books, including A World in Disarray.