World Order Summary

In World Order, Henry Kissinger explains that different civilizations have developed different ideas about how the world should be governed. European states developed the Westphalian idea of sovereign and legally equal countries; China traditionally imagined a hierarchical order centred upon the Chinese emperor; Islamic political thought historically contained its own concepts of religious and political community; and the United States promoted democracy, international law and universal principles. Kissinger argues that no truly universal world order has ever existed because societies disagree about legitimacy, justice, sovereignty and authority. The main challenge is therefore to create a system in which countries with different histories and values can live together. For Kissinger, a stable order must combine power with legitimacy, freedom with restraint, and national interests with a minimum level of international cooperation.

1. World order means a generally accepted arrangement of rules, institutions and power relationships among countries.

1. Every civilization develops its idea of legitimate authority from its own historical experience.

1. The Peace of Westphalia is associated with sovereignty, non-interference and the legal equality of states.

1. A world system cannot survive through military force alone; countries must also consider it reasonably legitimate.

1. China’s traditional worldview placed China at the cultural and political centre of a hierarchical regional order.

1. American foreign policy often combines national power with the belief that democratic principles have universal value.

1. Modern technology and nuclear weapons make international disorder more dangerous than it was in earlier centuries.

1. Kissinger warns that information is increasing faster than political wisdom and judgement.

1. A stable world order must accept diversity while creating enough common rules to prevent uncontrolled conflict.

1. Important quotation: “Order always requires a subtle balance of restraint, force, and legitimacy.” The line means that order needs power, but power must be limited by restraint and accepted as lawful or reasonable.