Description
Book SynopsisReactions to the Coronavirus pandemic have escalated the pre-existing tensions between the US and China and among different Western nations. Confrontations between political globalists and mercantilist nationalists - between supporters of the rules-based international order and proponents of overt protectionism - are fueling ever-stronger international resentments.
Coupling argumentative rigor with a pragmatic, plainspoken approach, Phil Mullan charts out a novel, democratic way past dangerous and self-defeating confrontations towards a future of open international collaboration based on popular participation within nation states. With its clear-eyed assessment of the opportunities and challenges of a more interconnected world - an assessment in which the economic internationalisation underpinning globalisation theories is neither romanticised nor vilified -
Beyond Confrontation sets a judicious tone for the big geopolitical themes of our times.
Trade Review'Beyond Confrontation comes at a time of maximum potential confrontation that has been made even more critical by the arrival of Covid-19. Essential reading for every political leader.' -- Brian Caplen, Editor
“A fresh perspective on renewed international political and economic tensions. Accessible for the general reader as well as academics and students." -- Vanessa Pupavac
“Mullan's democratic internationalism offers a pragmatic solution for international collaboration in the post-coronavirus economy.” -- Salvatore Babones, Associate Professor
'Mullan’s book is a road-map to the future, a calm reminder to scholars of international relations and practitioners alike that what continues to drive world affairs is the relationship between nations that are both sovereign and democratic.' -- Professor Bill Durodie, Chair of International Relations,
"It’s not unusual nowadays to find writers warning of the danger of rising global tensions. What marks out Mullan’s contribution, however, is a demystifying historical analysis which identifies the underlying sources of conflict, and offers an optimistic and forward-looking vision. It makes for a refreshing contrast to the prevailing fatalism. Beyond Confrontation is an important and urgent book that should be widely read—not least by policy-makers and political leaders of all stripes." -- Professor Philip Hammond, * London South Bank University *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: Global times Part 1: A world of rules Chapter 1: Making the rules-based international order Chapter 2: Globalism against politics Chapter 3: The anti-democratic roots of neoliberalism Chapter 4: From post-war order to disorder Part 2: Myths about trade Chapter 5: The obsession with trade Chapter 6: Trade becomes weaponised Chapter 7: Free trade illusions Chapter 8: The rise and rise of protectionism Part 3: Internationalism starts at home Chapter 9: Internationalisation: sustaining atrophy Chapter 10: The battle starts at home Chapter 11: Internationalism, national sovereignty and democracy
