The Best of Times, The Worst of Times: A History of Now - Softcover

Burleigh, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1509847944 ISBN 13: 9781509847945

Publisher: Pan Books, 2018

Synopsis

In the decades since the end of World War II, it has been widely assumed that the western model of liberal democracy and free trade is the way the world should be governed. However, events in the early years of the 21st century—first, the 2003 war with Iraq and its chaotic aftermath and, second, the financial crash of 2008—have threatened the general acceptance that continued progress under the benign (or sometimes not-so-benign) gaze of the western powers is the only way forwards. And as America turns inwards and Europe is beset by austerity politics and populist nationalism, the post-war consensus looks less and less secure. But is this really the worst of times? In a forensic examination of the world we now live in, acclaimed historian Michael Burleigh sets out to answer that question. Who could have imagined that China would champion globalization and lead the battle on climate change? Or that post-Soviet Russia might present a greater threat to the world's stability than ISIS? And while we may be on the cusp of still more dramatic change, perhaps the risks will—in time—bring not only change but a wholly positive transformation.

About this title

About the Author

Michael Burleigh is a prize-winning author, and a commentator on global affairs who also runs a political risk advisory service. He is the author of Faraway Places, Small Wars, and The Third Reich: A New History, the latter for which he won the Samuel Johnson Prize. In 2012 he won the Nonino International Prize for his life's work.

Edition details

• Publisher: Pan Books
• Publication date: 2018
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1509847944
• ISBN 13: 9781509847945
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 432