The World: A Brief Introduction

Richard Haass is a veteran diplomat. He is the president of the Council on Foreign Relations with a mission to help people better understand the world and the foreign policy choices facing the United States and other countries. His latest book, "The World", is a useful resource for those who are interested in the history of the world and how foreign policy can be effective or not. The book includes topics and questions we cannot ignore.

"The World" is organized in a way that readers can choose topics of their interest and gain useful information with additional references. The book explains globalization as it pertains to trade, climate change, migration, and cyberspace. My favorite section of the book is where Richard explains the political, economic, and demographic forces that have shaped Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas. Topics in the book are relevant and challenge readers to find an answer to serious questions: How do various State actors contend with terrorism? Where are global health and trade headed? Will alliances and coalitions ever be enough to ensure global order? How do we best navigate the increasing effects of climate change?

Countries are interconnected and their policies are complex. Global leaders and citizens are constantly challenged and are expected to find effective and diplomatic global solutions. Basic knowledge on how foreign policy works is a prerequisite to navigate the flood of daily news. "The World" by Richard Haass can be one of many great resources on staying abreast of our ever changing world.