The World: A Brief Introduction

The World: A Brief Introduction – Richard Haass

Events in faraway places increasingly affect our everyday lives, from pandemics and climate change to trade, terrorism, migration and cyberattacks. Yet many people feel they lack the basic knowledge needed to understand global affairs. In The World: A Brief Introduction, Richard Haass, longtime president of the Council on Foreign Relations and a former senior American diplomat, offers a clear guide to how the world works.

Haass wrote the book for anyone who wants to become globally literate, regardless of background. He begins with essential history, tracing the development of the modern international system from the Treaty of Westphalia through the world wars and the Cold War to the period that followed.

He then offers a tour of the world’s regions, including Europe, East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the Americas, explaining the key countries, issues and tensions in each. Next, he explores global challenges that cross borders, such as climate change, nuclear proliferation, terrorism, migration, global health, trade, monetary policy and cyberspace. Finally, he discusses the concepts and institutions that shape international relations, including sovereignty, alliances, diplomacy and international order.

Throughout, Haass writes in an accessible, balanced and nonpartisan style, avoiding jargon and focusing on the essentials.

Informative and concise, The World: A Brief Introduction is a valuable read for students, professionals and anyone who wants to understand global affairs and become a more informed citizen. Readers should note that world events have continued to develop since publication.