Reflections on the Character of Nations and the Course of History

Kissinger has produced an excellent book for those interested in world politics and foreign policy. The book give a deep perspective on why different parts of the world operate so differently. A combination of culture, religion, history, this is a book for understanding and keeping in your collection.

His review of Eupoean, Russian and Chinese history puts their current actions into a context I can understand. I also have a better understanding of the US's unique Foreign Policy that was initiated by Harry Truman. He also explains the reasons why other cultures political history makes democracy a foreign concept. Lastly I have a new appreciation of how difficult it is to be President in this crazy world.

We tend to view things from our own perspective, and have no idea how different we view the world relative to our allies and adversaries. Failing to know and understand the history and cultures of various countries and societies blinds us to failures in our own policy. This book looks at the history of the world order, and how this evolved. In the last 500 years, there have been many changes in how the legitimacy of governments is viewed, as well as how the World Order avoids (or fails to avoid) conflicts. It analyzes current changes and challenges we are likely to face. No other book has changed my perspective on Geopolitics as much as this.

A nice outline of historical developments that stand as a background to current geopolitical situation . The last chapters seem to be more favoring the republicans , above and beyond their contributions at that time .

This is a highly readable book with wisdom scattered wide and deep among the many enlightening accounts from history and from Dr. Kissinger's own experience. I have not been a Kissinger fan, but now I am.
I read the book to gain insights into how a sustainable order can be shaped for human expansion into the solar system and beyond. This is now a real world concern and no longer just a topic of science fiction. I am a member of the International Lunar Decade Working Group - see https://ildwg.wordpress.com/ working to launch in 2017, the 60th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year. The International Lunar Decade is a global event and process to lead from lunar exploration to the development of a self-sustaining space economy with the Moon becoming a wealth-generating platform for the expansion of mankind into the Solar System. Dr. Kissinger outlines how the Peace of Westphalia led to the recognition of the state as the principal actor in international relations and that peace resulted from a balance of rivalries. States negototiated the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 but included provisions that defined the heavenly bodies as the "province of all Mankind" that precludes sovereign claims by states to the Moon and other bodies in space. In 1979 the Moon Treaty was approved by the UN General Assembly and opened for ratification. Sixteen states have ratified the Moon Treaty and India, France and Romania have signed, but not ratified. The Moon Treaty is widely seen as not in force or not relevant or antithetical to the interests of the US and other major spacefaring powers. At this point there is no recognized international order for industrial and commercial activities on the Moon. If large deposits of platinum group metals or other valuable commodities were discovered on the Moon there is no agreed to process to govern the actions of states. Non-state actors could in principle seize the resources in the absence of an agreed to international regime. The Space Treaty, which has been ratified by by 103 states and signed by an additional 26 is the basis for space law. The Space Treaty limits the use of the Moon and other celestial bodies to peaceful purposes and expressly prohibits their use for testing weapons of any kind, conducting military maneuvers, or establishing military bases, installations, and fortifications. If non-state actors seized parts of the Moon who could remove them since removal would involve the use of weapons on the Moon. The world order that arose out of the Peace of Westphalia was not based on principles or ideology but rather on a balance of forces. From my first reading of Dr. Kissinger's book it seems that he offers little guidance for the construction of international order in space. However, he does raise the successful example of the international order shaped under US leadership after WWII where Wilsonian principles of self-determination and the sovereign rights of states operate in a rules based global system. Can such a rules based international system be extended to space, or will the future emerge similar to the great colonial expansion from Europe starting from the 16th Century? If the desireable outcome is a rules-based international order in space can this be achieved without ratification of the Moon Treaty? The global environment now is shifting dramatically in the emerging multipolar world where democratic governance is not unversally recognized and the US no longer has a dominant economic or geopolitical position. Perhaps Dr. Kissinger would have insights about world order in a multipolar world with more than one world?

Dr. Kissinger's review of historical patterns of world order, reflects his incredible scope of knowledge and integration thereof, of civilizations. He clearly appreciates the value of the tribe (my word) in establishing expectations of civility, order and rules of behavior (whether peaceful with regard to "others", or violent with regard to "others").

And he conveys the philosophical, spiritual roots of the tribe's rules and how they change, or don't change, over time.

His discussion of the rise, and limits of national boundaries and nation states, helps those of us from a Western culture, to realize the limits thereof, when viewing the world order today.

His discussion of China is very informed and shaped by Mao (most understandable), and perhaps needs to be more influenced by the role of later rulers of China, expanding the concept of Rule by Law, versus Rule of Law. In other words, the role of the powerful tribal leader in some instances must be by some standards harsh, while demonstrating inclusive counsels; And in other instances must be firm, reflecting a perceived role of leadership, amongst "those similar to us".

A very fine investment of time!!

Not an easy read but certainly worth all the excellent perspectives that Dr. Kissinger brings. If I could ask only one question of any the 2016 Presidential candidates it would be "Have you read Henry Kissinger's World Order?" If they haven't find a candidate that has.

The book is a tour de force blending historical insights, one man's unique experience and a writing style of exceptional clarity. It should be compulsory reading for anyone with any political aspirations. The rest of us can learn and benefit from the cumulative wisdom and knowledge that each page conveys.

The purchase was initially denied due to capital restrictions in Greece. However successful help was provided and the "World Order" was duly restored! It arrived just recently and there was no time to really read it but a quick glance was very interesting and promising. A real review will take some time.
Thank you.
G.

Offers an insightful overview of regional foreign policy rational by providing historical context on Europe, the middle east, Russia, India, and the far east. Relavent for anyone who desires an understanding of the past and present of American foreign policy toward most countries in each region, as well as a basic understanding of the motivations and viewpoints of these countries.

Kissinger had me hooked in the introduction with Harry Truman's observation about welcoming two nations vanquished in war, yet still welcomed back into the community of nations.

His conclusion artfully challenges us to move forward with our ideals, tempered with the reality of world views that are not necessarily aligned with that goal. Beautifully presented.

Wonderful book with a deep analysis of the new diplomacy era.The Congress of Vienna really can be viewed as the starting point of the new world order. Highly recommended for college and university teachers and students and everybody who loves history!

The course he taught at Harvard, gov180, was wildly popular. As a chemistry major, I audited it and was transfixed. His concept of world order through the ages is right on. If he is scared of what the information age may portend, so am I.

Best book of 2014 in international politics. Kissinger's knowledge and experience really shines through in his remarkable synthesis of current trends based on recent history and insight. I've never been a big fan of Kissinger, but he's always a key figure to listen to. This is an extremely readable book, but not dumbed-down.

If you follow international news and are interested in the role of the United States as geopolitics are rapidly changing right now, this is the book for you. Also a great Christmas gift to try to keep your family holiday discussions on a more fact-filled basis (if your family is at all like mine!).

No matter what you think about him, Kissinger has a fantastic way of putting together historical fact and perspective in a simple and straight forward way. For an understanding of where the world community was relative to political negotiations, to where we are today, this book is a must.

The most comprehensive understandable view of how the global community arrived at its current state I have ever encountered. Truly written by a mind with far reaching understanding of the currents that have, do, and will define our world.
P

After reading this book one better understands the world situation today. One comes away wanting to read more about European and Asian history. A world map is helpful during reading this book. It's fascinating what developments have occurred to make the world the way it is today. Love this book!!!

One of the most knowledgeable books that I have every read – Dr. Kissinger discusses, from prehistory to the current crises, how the various important countries of the world are ordered as a balance between power and legitimacy. He traces the treaties and pacts among nations forming this balance, focusing on the critical Treaty of Westphalia in the mid-1600 end of the War of the Roses}, which he treats as the most thoughtful treaty every signed, He discusses the thoughts and strategies of the power brokers, the Tzars and dictators, presidents and prime ministers, and how they seek to negotiate, plot and scheme. The book is applicable to today’s crises in the mid-East, China, Russia and North Korea. It deserves a re-read.

In World Order, Kissinger is able to summarize hundreds of years of diplomatic struggle in a relatively few pages. He has the amazing ability to summarize clearly and bring clarity to world events while he is compressing them into a few well thought out words. For example, the historical expansion of Europe after the 30 years war and the politics that allowed it - or perhaps I should say encouraged the expansion - are explained without fluff and thus engenders greater insight. The next European wide treaty ended the wars of Napoleon and was based on an entirely different political understanding. Knowing this allows the reader to see the developing crisis leading to WWI in a new light.

Excellent Book. Highly recommended.

Comprehensive history of world order, across eras from Europe's Thirty Year War through the period of colonization to the modern rise of China. Mr. Kissinger also does a superb job of spanning the regions of the world through these ages, not merely focusing on Europe. My only problem with the work is the lack of substantive solutions for the future beyond the very brief insights into potential problems that are tacked onto the end of the book. The majority of the information is known to anyone already familiar with world history, and most of Kissinger's conclusions appear to be standard in foreign policy circles, but that is testamount to how profound an impact the author has already had on diplomacy and world order in his career.