The World

the borders of other countries and not use force in an attempt to change them. Second, countries should not interfere in events inside other countries. Third, governments should have a free hand to do as they please within their own borders. These three notions may not seem to amount to all that much, but they represented a major step forward, one that if honored would have dramatically reduced the instability and violence that had become relatively commonplace in the world.




European nations, however, often violated the sovereignty of their neighbors, which explains, in part, why the history of this continent has been so violent and destructive. The Treaty of Westphalia did, however, introduce a period of relative peace. Europe did not descend into another major war or, to be more precise, a series of wars until the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte, the brilliant, ambitious French general turned politician turned emperor. He came to power following a revolution in France that-like most revolutions-ended in excess and disorder. After a number of military victories that gave him control of much of Europe, Napoleon became overextended, electing to fight too many foes on too many fronts, and was finally defeated by a coalition that included Austria, Prussia, Russia, and the United Kingdom. The victors and the vanquished (minus Napoleon) came together in Vienna in 1814 and 1815 and created a settlement designed to prevent France from threatening its neighbors and to make it more difficult for revolutionary movements to overthrow the unelected governments of the day. The Congress of Vienna also made the wise choice of integrating a defeated France into the new order rather than penalizing and ostracizing it and potentially sowing the seeds of a France that would one day rise and try to overthrow the order.




The Congress of Vienna produced what became known as the Concert of Europe, a name that suggests the diplomatic equivalent of an orchestra of musicians p

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