The status quo of the modern world order, a diplomatic entente best characterized as "connivance diplomacy," is limited in its performances, defensive of its privileges, midway between competition and cooperation. It is examined here through its history, its functions, and its failures.

Autorentext
BERTRAND BADIE is a Professor of International Relations at Sciences Po Paris, France and former vice-president of IPSA. He has published more than 20 books, some of which have been translated in English. Dr. Badie is also one of the general editors of The International Encyclopedia of Political Science.

Inhalt
PART I: TOWARD AN APOLAR WORLD Concerts and Dissonance A Precarious Polarization The System without a Name (1989) PART II: THE NEW ARISTOCRATS 'Fireside Chats' Western 'Nobility' The Imperative of Governance PART III: THE REVENGE OF GLOBALIZATION Concert of Contention The Emerging Powers as Arbiters An Anomic International System