A World in Disarray by Richard Haass Summary

A World in Disarray analyzes the erosion of global order post-Cold War, tracing geopolitical shifts, regional instability, and failures in international cooperation. Haass proposes "sovereign obligation"—a framework where states regulate internal actions affecting others (e.g., terrorism, climate change)—and emphasizes U.S. leadership renewal to address crises like nuclear proliferation and cyber threats.

Policymakers, students of international relations, and readers interested in geopolitics will benefit from Haass’s analysis of modern disorder. Its blend of historical context, regional case studies (Middle East, Asia, Europe), and pragmatic solutions makes it relevant for those examining U.S. foreign policy or global governance challenges.

"Sovereign obligation" expands traditional sovereignty by requiring states to prevent internal actions (e.g., terrorism, cyberattacks) from harming other nations. Haass argues this principle could address transnational issues like climate change, blending respect for borders with collective responsibility. Critics note challenges in enforcement and achieving global consensus.

Haass critiques post-Cold War U.S. missteps, including overreach and inconsistency, but stresses that American leadership remains irreplaceable. He urges domestic reforms (e.g., reducing political polarization, fiscal discipline) to strengthen global influence, particularly in managing rising powers like China and Russia.

The book examines instability in the Middle East (e.g., terrorism, sectarian conflicts), Asia’s power struggles (China’s rise, North Korea), and Europe’s challenges (Brexit, Russia’s aggression). Haass highlights how regional dysfunctions exacerbate global disarray and require tailored diplomatic strategies.

Yes. Haass identifies climate change as a "global gap" issue where national actions (or inactions) disproportionately affect others. He advocates for "sovereign obligation" to enforce accountability, though acknowledges the difficulty of reconciling differing national interests.

"World Order 2.0" is Haass’s proposed system updating Westphalian principles. It combines sovereignty with obligations to mitigate cross-border threats (e.g., nuclear proliferation, pandemics). This framework relies on coalitions of states and institutions to enforce norms, though implementation hurdles persist.

Haass argues post-Cold War U.S. policies failed to integrate Russia and China into the international system, fueling their revisionist ambitions. He recommends balancing deterrence with cooperation, such as incentivizing China to uphold trade norms and countering Russian aggression in Europe.

Critics argue Haass underestimates non-state actors’ roles and overstates U.S. capacity to lead. The 2017 edition also lacks analysis of Trump-era policies, Brexit, or Syria’s bombing, which later reshaped global dynamics.

Yes. Its themes—resurgent nationalism, U.S.-China rivalry, and climate crises—remain urgent. However, Haass’s emphasis on multilateralism contrasts with recent trends toward unilateralism, prompting debates about adapting his solutions to current realities.

Unlike The Foreign Policy of Restraint, this book prioritizes proactive U.S. engagement tempered by domestic renewal. It shares themes with War of Necessity, War of Choice, analyzing decision-making in crises, but broadens focus to systemic global challenges.

Key lines include:

• “The world’s problems are increasingly transnational, but solutions remain national.”
• “Sovereignty is not a blank check.”

These underscore Haass’s argument for redefined state responsibilities in a globalized era.