A World in Disarray - American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order - book excerpt summary

Sep 16, 2026

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A World in Disarray examines how the foundations of post–World War II global order have weakened as major regions face intersecting instability. It outlines developments from the rise of the modern state system through the end of the Cold War, then analyzes the last quarter century’s shifts driving today’s disorder. The book argues for a new “operating system” for world order—World Order 2.0—reflecting widely distributed power, reduced emphasis on borders, and an updated approach to sovereignty and national security.

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A World in Disarray - American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order

Historical backdrop to world order

Key regional and global drivers of disorder

The proposed shift toward World Order 2.0

U.S. roles and next steps

Continue Richard haass a world in disarray pdf Read an excerpt of A World in Disarray. In a new afterword to the paperback edition , Richard Haass looks at developments over the past year (2017) and argues the world is in greater disarray than it was a year ago , in no small part because of the foreign policy of the Trump administration. More on: U.S. Foreign Policy United States International Relations World Order "These are no ordinary times. It will not be business as usual in a world of disarray; as a result , it cannot be foreign policy as usual ," writes Richard Haass , president of the Council on Foreign Relations , in his latest book , A World in Disarray: American Foreign Policy and the Crisis of the Old Order—a timely examination of a world increasingly defined by disorder. In three parts , the book contemplates the history of world order from the rise of the modern state system to the end of the Cold War; accounts for the momentous shifts in the last quarter century to shed light on the current state of affairs , and outlines specific steps to tackle the many challenges ahead. Haass argues that the fundamental elements of world order that have served the world well since World War II have largely run their course. The Middle East is unraveling. Asia is threatened by China's rise and a reckless North Korea. Europe , for decades the world's most stable region , is staggering under the weight of prolonged low economic growth , anger over immigration , and a rise in populism and nationalism. He writes that the election of Donald J. Trump and the unexpected vote for " Brexit" signal that many in modern democracies reject globalization and international involvement , including borders open to trade and immigrants as well as a willingness to maintain alliances and overseas commitments. Add to these concerns the threats of terrorism , the spread of nuclear weapons , climate change , and cybersecurity , and "it is painfully evident that the twenty-first century will prove extremely difficult to manage ," says Haass. He makes the case that the world needs a new operating system—which he calls World Order 2.0—that reflects the reality that power is widely distributed and that borders count for less. One critical element of this adjustment will be adopting a new approach to sovereignty , one that embraces its obligations and responsibilities , as well as its rights and protections. Haass also details how the United States should act toward China and Russia , as well as in Asia , Europe , and the Middle East. Finally , he asserts that the United States needs to define national security more broadly , addressing what are normally thought of as domestic issues—from dysfunctional politics to mounting debt—as well as coming to an agreement on the nature of the United States' relationship with the rest of t he world. Educators: Access Teaching Notes for A World in Disarray. More on: U.S. Foreign Policy United States International Relations World Order Development Economy & finance Foreign affairs & international relations International trade & customs Security & defence Terrorism The author , Richard Haass , is a former US governmental advisor and the current president of the think tank Council on Foreign Relations. The book raises a number of questions over what sort of foreign policy is to emerge in the aftermath of two ground-shaking votes on the two sides of the Atlantic: the US presidential election and the Brexit referendum. How will the Trump administration and the UK's split from the EU change global politics , how will the rest of t he world react to these developments , and how will this define international foreign policy in the coming decades? The book's central issue , however , is the crisis of statesmanship , and the need for new multilateralism worldwide. " Power is more distributed in more hands than at any time in history" writes Haass. " Decision making has come to be more decentralized. Globalization , with it

FAQs

What core argument does Richard Haass make in A World in Disarray?

Haass argues that the elements of world order that worked since World War II have largely run their course, and the current era requires a new approach to managing global challenges.

How is the book structured across time periods?

It is organized into three parts: historical developments leading to the modern state system and the Cold War, analysis of the last 25 years from regional foreign-policy perspectives, and guidance on steps to prevent further Western decline.

What is “World Order 2.0” in the book?

“World Order 2.0” is Haass’s proposed new operating system for international relations, emphasizing that power is widely distributed and borders count for less.

Sep 16, 2026

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