World Order

By: Henry Kissinger

Narrated by: Nicholas Hormann

Henry Kissinger offers in World Order a deep meditation on the roots of international harmony and global disorder. Drawing on his experience as one of the foremost statesmen of the modern era - madvising presidents, traveling the world, observing and shaping the central foreign policy events of recent decades - Kissinger now reveals his analysis of the ultimate challenge for the 21st century: How to build a shared international order in a world of divergent historical perspectives, violent conflict, proliferating technology, and ideological extremism.

There has never been a true “world order”, Kissinger observes. For most of history, civilizations defined their own concepts of order. Each considered itself the center of the world and envisioned its distinct principles as universally relevant. China conceived of a global cultural hierarchy with the emperor at its pinnacle. In Europe, Rome imagined itself surrounded by barbarians; when Rome fragmented, European peoples refined a concept of an equilibrium of sovereign states and sought to export it across the world. Islam, in its early centuries, considered itself the world’s sole legitimate political unit, destined to expand indefinitely until the world was brought into harmony by religious principles. The United States was born of a conviction about the universal applicability of democracy - a conviction that has guided its policies ever since.

Now international affairs take place on a global basis, and these historical concepts of world order are meeting. Every region participates in questions of high policy in every other, often instantaneously. Yet there is no consensus among the major actors about the rules and limits guiding this process or its ultimate destination. The result is mounting tension.

Grounded in Kissinger’s deep study of history and his experience as national security advisor and secretary of state, World Order guides listeners through crucial episodes in recent world history. Kissinger offers a unique glimpse into the inner deliberations of the Nixon administration’s negotiations with Hanoi over the end of the Vietnam War, as well as Ronald Reagan’s tense debates with Soviet Premier Gorbachev in Reykjavík. He offers compelling insights into the future of US - China relations and the evolution of the European Union, and he examines lessons of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Taking listeners from his analysis of nuclear negotiations with Iran through the West’s response to the Arab Spring and tensions with Russia over Ukraine, World Order anchors Kissinger’s historical analysis in the decisive events of our time.

Provocative and articulate, blending historical insight with geopolitical prognostication, World Order is a unique work that could come only from a lifelong policy maker and diplomat. Kissinger is also the author of On China.

©2014 Henry Kissinger (P)2014 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Dazzling and instructive...[a] magisterial new book.” (Walter Isaacson, Time)

"An astute analysis that illuminates many of today's critical international issues." (Kirkus Reviews)

Enlightening

This book is a must for anyone studying International Relations, History, and Politics.
I only wish that I could have taken notes in the margins like I do with physical books.

Fascinating, comprehensive overview of world history

Very interesting, comprehensive look at world history and politics. Kissinger looks at every region of the world and their key countries evolution and conception of political order leading to present day.

Great listen for anyone

This book is a great listen for anyone who likes to understand the world order of past, today and future.

You should read it

One of the reliable sources to the international law exhibited how it’s differs from nation to nation

World Order

The audio book is of high intellectual quality. I enjoy every word of it. I recommend the present masterpiece to all who are serous about learning the development of world order.

Kissinger's perspective

I really enjoyed listening to Secretary Kissinger's perspective on the history of world order. I knew a little about other ideas than the standard western idea, but it was great to see it all linked together. I his perspective was enlightening, as I'd always heard he was a quasi fascist war criminal from professors. I'm now more interested to research his role in the world and diplomacy in general.

Kissinger is still sharp as ever

Kissinger delivers a powerful message of not only where our social and political landscape has been, but also why it was there. He describes a Europe obsessed with Christiandom and its evolution through hundreds of years to the semi-fractured union of nations we see today. His approach of the Muslim world of governance is done so without fear and from an academic standpoint that also resounds with his generation of experience.

Like anything written by Kissinger don't expect a light listen. Although not as deep a read as some of his other work, this book is certainly not your laymans guide to the CNN's Headlines.

My favorite book of the year

I set a goal to read two books a month this year. It’s October. This is my favorite. A dense but necessary summary of world geopolitical history ending with an exploration of new media and its effect on affairs of state. I learned a lot of facts. I was challenged by new words & phrases. I had to rewind and re-listen many times. But it’s a book I’ll buy in print so I can have an underlined reference for future discussions. MUST READ.

Eye-Opening / Structurally informative

This was one of the clearest expressions of both interpretation and factual presentation. I would highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to gain a more global perspective on history, politics, and interests.

The Best Nonfiction book I have ever read.

In rhis book we learn what has made power in the world tick for the last 400 years. We see what the Swiss watch of history has been and how we get to where we are today. it is a book of great ambition that has achieved its goals.