What the hell is going on out there in the world?
First the defeat in Afghanistan, then Putin's war against Ukraine. What's wrong with Western foreign and security policy? First all peace, then new "world disorder" – or what? After the end of the Cold War, the US and its allies hoped to reshape the international system according to their own ideas. But instead of creating order, they created chaos, writes Carlo Masala.
Then everything will be clear: Westernization of the world versus multipolarity, bloc formation, and insecurity. What challenges must Germany and Europe prepare for? What means of power are still available? And who wants what?
We need, according to Masala's central thesis, a realistic view of international relations that frees itself from illusions, takes geostrategic realities into account, and relearns not only to read the language of power, but also to speak it. A fascinating book that explains a great deal and provides good fodder for important discussions. It helps us understand the world out there, hence: SPARTANAT is a recommended read.
CARLO MASALA is Political scientist and Professor of International Politics at the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences at the Bundeswehr University Munich.
