New World Disorder

This illuminating analysis by one of the world's leading intellectuals addresses fundamental questions about the new world disorder exemplified by the war on terrorism, the Iraq conflict and its aftermath and the current state of transatlantic relations.

In eight concise chapters, Todorov discusses the use of force versus diplomacy, the emergence of new powers and the reactions of different players such as the UK, France, Poland and the United Nations, to the imperialist turn in US foreign policy. He argues that a new Europe is capable of reducing its dependence on the United States and assuming more responsibilities in the area of foreign affairs, would be the most effective way of counter-balancing America's current dominance of global politics. Drawing on his vast knowledge of history and philosophy, Todorov has written an insightful and timely book that, without simplyfying the issues, is accessible to all.

Assessing the global political landscape defined by an imperialist turn in the policies of the world's most powerful state, the US, Todorov (director of research, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, France) considers the place of Europe in such a world. Touching on issues of force and diplomacy, the fragility of empire and its threat to democracy, and other issues, he proposes that Europe needs to develop institutions that will allow it greater independence and an ability to counter US power. Distributed in the US by Blackwell Publishing. Annotation ©2005 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Tzvetan Todorov is Director of Research at the CNRS in Paris.