Between the Rule of Power and the Power of Rule: In Search of an Effective World Order (International relations studies series, v. 1)

International Relations Studies Series, 1 (International Studies Library, 3) The search for a more effective world order which provides not only stability but meets minimum standards of justice is one of the major concerns of political leaders and scholars alike. Increasing interdependence signifies that the fortunes of nations are growing ever more closely. While there is common interest in strengthening multilateral institutions, any practical application of the concept at issue will be affected by the prevailing power structure and, to some degree, reflect it. The reality of American preeminence, unlikely to be challenged in the years to come, needs to be reconciled with the demand for international legitimacy. Taking stock of recent contributions to the debate, this book argues for a reappraisal of the traditional assumptions of world order.The result is a balanced analysis which strikes the middle ground between short-sighted realism, on the one hand, and utopian idealism, on the other. Table of Contents Chapter 1. Introduction: setting the stage Chapter 2. International or world order? The balance between stability and justice Chapter 3. Universalism and Regionalism : competition or concurrence? Chapter 4. Models of international order: from utopia to reality Chapter 5. World order and the global distribution of power: the balance between legitimacy and effectiveness Chapter 6. An agenda for a world order: from national security to human security Chapter 7. International order "writ-small": the role of the European Union About the Author Alfred van Staden (born 1942), PhD in political science, University of Amsterdam. From 1980 onwards he has been professor of international relations at Leiden University. From 1995 until 2005 he was director of the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael (The Hague). He has published extensively in the field of international security, European integration, and foreign policy.