Exit from Hegemony: The Unraveling of the American Global Order

In recent years, a number of books have appeared noting and often lamenting the decline of the so-called Liberal World order crafted in the aftermath of World War II (although some, most notably John Mearsheimer, argue the appearance of that order was an illusion all along). Most note the crafting of multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and its many agencies, as well as complex multinational alliance structures, most notably NATO. Many point to the absence of great power conflict throughout the latter half of the twentieth century and the pivotal role played by the United States in the spread of democratic governments and increased attention to human rights throughout this period. Most chronicle the spread of free trade practices, multinational approaches to world economic issues, and the proliferation of international trade agreements and standards. This new book makes an invaluable contribution to this growing body of literature. It goes well beyond relatively simple narratives focused on the rise of China, the resurgence of Russia on the world stage, and the retreat from all things multilateral in the current American administration. The authors very helpfully locate their analysis in a large body of scholarship treating hegemonic orders generally. Bolstered by significant empirical evidence throughout, they offer an expansive and multifactoral account of various reasons the order is eroding: rising new powers, smaller powers finding multiple possible security and economic sources available to them, the rise of illiberal regimes and international associations around the world, and of course the preferences of the current American administration. Further, while appropriately modest about their ability to see the future, the authors offer plausible possible futures for the world order all of these factors are combining to create. This book is a very important one for the readers of this journal, not least because it raises deep questions about the continuance of whatever degree of consensus agreement regarding international norms for statecraft and the use of military force the world has come to take for granted since World War II. As the Liberal order erodes, it is probably inevitable that less and less consensus agreement can be assumed. And it sets the stage for deep reflection on the future of military ethics and the nature and agents of future international competition and conflict.