The New York Times Bestseller

“A superb introduction to the world and global issues. Richard Haass has written something that is brief, readable, and yet comprehensive—marked throughout by his trademark intelligence and common sense.” —Fareed Zakaria

An invaluable primer from Richard Haass, president of the Council on Foreign Relations, that will help anyone, expert and non-expert alike, navigate a time in which many of our biggest challenges come from the world beyond our borders.

We live in a global era, in which what happens thousands of miles away often affects our lives. Although the United States is bordered by two oceans, those oceans are not moats. And the so-called Vegas rule—what happens there stays there—does not apply. Globalization can be both good and bad, but it is not something that individuals or countries can opt out of. The choice we face is how to respond.

The World focuses on history, what makes each region of the world tick, the many challenges globalization presents, and the most influential countries, events, and ideas, to provide readers with the background they need to make sense of this complicated and interconnected world.

An invaluable primer from the president of the Council on Foreign Relations that will help anyone navigate our fast-changing world

Today's headlines generate more questions than answers. Should the United States attack North Korea and Iran or negotiate with them? What are the implications of climate change and what should be done about it? Are tariffs a good idea? What do we owe refugees and others who want to enter our country? Should democratic countries promote democracy and human rights elsewhere? What can be done to stop terrorism? Are the United States and China heading for a second cold war-and, if so, what can be done to head it off?

The World provides readers with the essential background needed to answer these and other critical questions. Readers will become more informed, discerning citizens, better able to arrive at sound, independent judgments and to hold elected representatives to account. In short, this book will make readers more globally literate. Although the United States is bordered by two oceans, those oceans are not moats. And the so-called Vegas rule-what happens there stays there-does not apply in today's globalized world to anyone anywhere. U.S. foreign policy is uniquely American, but the world Americans seek to shape is not.

Explaining complex ideas with wisdom and clarity, Richard Haass's The World is an evergreen book that will remain relevant and useful even as history continues to unfold.

“This book is a superb introduction to the world and global issues. Richard Haass has been able to write something that is brief, readable and yet comprehensive—marked throughout by his trademark intelligence and common sense.” —Fareed Zakaria

“A clear and concise account of the history, diplomacy, economics, and societal forces that have molded the modern global system.” —Foreign Affairs

“Condensing so much complexity into a lucid 400 pages is no small accomplishment.” —The New York Times

“This is the book that explains how the world really works, how it is changing, and why it matters. Just what every citizen and student needs to read.” —Madeleine Albright

“This terrific work delivers completely on its promise to provide readers with a basic understanding of the world. It is hard to imagine anyone more suited for this ambitious task than Richard Haass. His narrative flair, depth of experience, and wide-ranging knowledge sparkle on every page.” —Doris Kearns Goodwin
 
“Richard Haass has just reinvented the primer—something for everyone to read this summer. High school students, undergrads, grads in all disciplines and a few people in the nation’s capital will benefit.” —Rachel Kyte, Dean, The Fletcher School, Tufts University

“An essential book—just what the world needs now to put things in perspective.” —Ray Dalio
 
“Richard Haass explains the world to us in a thoughtful, comprehensive and accessible way. At a time when our world is changing faster than ever—and becoming more interconnected and complex—it has never been more important to be globally literate. Our future depends on it.” —Arne Duncan

“A comprehensive analysis of our world—a valuable guide for every alert citizen as well as for scholars and students of international affairs.” —New York Journal of Books

“We are all being bombarded by strong views designed to conjure up emotion over sound judgement, which makes it very grounding to have The World. It is a great read for anyone who wants to have a sound background before deciding to retweet the latest crazy article making the rounds!” —Kal Penn

“This is a great book that every high school and college student, as well as teachers and parents, should read. An indispensable resource to educate global citizens.” —Professor Fernando M. Reimers, Harvard Graduate School of Education

“The World explains important concepts clearly and fairly and offers an excellent overview of global affairs . . . Those who read and even study The World will be educated, stimulated and challenged. They will become better global citizens.” —Washington Diplomat

“One core premise of this necessary book is that the three great scourges of our time—COVID-19, nuclear weaponry and climate change—cannot be resolved without a global outlook. Dr. Richard Haass, author of The World and 14 other books, is here to teach us. This book is aimed at a wide, inclusive audience. Haass’ style is fulsome yet facile. He guides us on a rich, region-by-region world tour. The most fascinating feature of each treatment is ‘looking ahead’—his fearless, in some cases, provocative analysis of what he feels is in store for a given corner of the globe.” —Providence Journal