World Order

Starred review from August 25, 2014
Former U.S. Secretary of State Kissinger elicits strong reactions; the man some call "war criminal" also won the 1973 Nobel Peace Prize. At 91, he is still crafting his own record and place in history. A fixture in international politics since the 1960s, Kissinger argues that, assisted by the U.S., the spread of independent sovereign states, democratic aspirations, and global networks in communications, finance, and health have brought the "enterprise of world ordering... to fruition." Kissinger's guiding principle is what he calls the "global Westphalian system," named for the 17th-century treaty that ended the 30 Years' War. In studying the U.S.'s role in this system, his main theme is the "contest between idealism and realism" in American foreign policy. Kissinger's section on the Middle East focuses on U.S. partner Saudi Arabia and adversary Iran, but sidesteps the elephants-in-the-room of Israel and world oil. While considering the threat posed by the acquisition of nuclear weapons by rogue states, he also discusses the possibility, tenuous as it may be, of rapprochement between the U.S. and Iran. Some readers will feel Kissinger whitewashes the Bush administration's legacy in Iraq and the Middle East. Others will ask if Kissinger's stark title is ironic, given sharply escalating international conflict. Nonetheless, Kissinger's thoughts, grounded in some 50 years of experience, deserve a wide, attentive audience that should include anyone interested in foreign affairs or the global future. Agent: Andrew Wylie, Wylie Agency.

This audiobook provides listeners with an overview and deep analysis of the world's political realities, as seen by the former National Security Advisor and Secretary of State. Nicholas Hormann has a deep, authoritative voice, and he narrates with a seriousness of purpose and a sober manner. Kissinger's point is that there is no established world order and that each nation will need to struggle to make its mark on future events. Hormann's narration reflects the intention of the book: to inform and enlighten a public that decidedly needs to understand the international order as seen by one of the twentieth century's major diplomats. Hormann remains true to Kissinger's intent, though both of them can sound dry and stilted at times. R.I.G. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine