The Breaking of Nations - by Robert Cooper (Paperback)

Number of Pages: 192
Genre: Political Science
Sub-Genre: International Relations
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Grove Press
Age Range: Adult
Book theme: Diplomacy
Author: Robert Cooper
Language: English

About the Book

Cooper shows that the greatest question facing postmodern states is how they should deal with a world in which missiles and terrorists ignore borders and where Cold War alliances no longer guarantee security.

Book Synopsis

Based on an essay that has been hailed as one of the most influential policy pieces published in the last decade, Robert Cooper sets out a radical new interpretation of the shape of the world in this path-breaking book The Breaking of Nations.

Cooper argues that there are three types of states in the world that deal with each other in different ways: 'pre-modern' parts of the world, without fully functioning states, 'modern' nation states, concerned with territorial sovereignty and national interests, and 'post-modern' states in which foreign and domestic policy are inextricably intertwined, tools of governance are shared and security is no longer based on control over territory or the balance of power. Among first world nations, societies may operate on the basis of laws, openness and cooperative security. But when dealing with a hostile outside enemy, civilized countries need to revert to tougher methods from an earlier era - force, pre-emptive attack, deception - if we are to safeguard peaceful co-existence throughout the civilized world

Like Robert Kagan's best-selling Of Paradise and Power, The Breaking of Nations is essential reading for a dangerous age, a cautionary tale for superpowers, and a prescient examination of international relations in the twenty-first century.

Review Quotes

"Cooper does not offer a single organizing idea, but rather a wealth of historical parallels and conceptual distinctions pithily expressed.... He is a pro-American, pro--United Nations, pro-European who is for multilateral diplomacy if it is possible and war when necessary."

About the Author

Robert Cooper is one of Britain's most senior diplomats. He is Head of the Defense and Overseas Secretariat in the Cabinet Office and former British ambassador to Bonn. He is also Tony Blair's special advisor of foreign affairs.