Description
Book SynopsisWe no longer inhabit a world governed by international coordination, a unified NATO bloc, or an American hegemon. Traditionally, the decline of one empire leads to a restoration in the balance of power, via a struggle among rival systems of order. Yet this dynamic is surprisingly absent today; instead, the superpowers have all, at times, sought to promote what Jason Pack terms the 'Enduring Disorder'. He contends that Libya's ongoing conflict--more so than the civil wars in Yemen, Syria, Venezuela or Ukraine--constitutes the ideal microcosm in which to identify the salient features of this new era of geopolitics. The country's post-Qadhafi trajectory has been moulded by the stark absence of coherent international diplomacy; while Libya's incremental implosion has precipitated cross-border contagion, further corroding global institutions and international partnership. Pack draws on over two decades of research in and on Libya and Syria to highlight the Kafkaesque aspects of today's global affairs. He shows how even the threats posed by the Arab Spring, and the Benghazi assassination of US Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, couldn't occasion a unified Western response. Rather, they have further undercut global collaboration, demonstrating the self-reinforcing nature of the progressively collapsing world order.
Trade Review‘This book contains fresh thinking, real insight, and gems of knowledge throughout… Pack’s perceptive analysis raises valid questions about the nature of the contemporary international era and the ability of the world to resolve the issues faced.’ -- The Middle East Journal
'Provides invaluable insights not only into the specificity of Libya, but also larger trends across the MENA region.' -- Inside Arabia
‘Incisive, academic, and witty, Jason Pack pulls no punches in his sharp critique of the so-called “international community”.’ -- Stephanie Williams, former acting UN Envoy for Libya
‘Libya and the Global Enduring Disorder is your authoritative guide through the dense complexity of post-Qadhafi Libya, as well as the intricate, self-serving world of Libya policy in Washington. ... A must-read for anyone in Western capitals serious about understanding Libya.’ -- Julian Borger, World Affairs Editor, The Guardian
‘Candid, opinionated, by turns gossipy and scholarly, Jason Pack delivers a lively and provocative assessment of the state of the current global system. Pack’s ... portrayal of the consequences of today’s global disorder on Libya is a powerful illustration of his argument–and a devastating indictment of the “international community”.’ -- Lisa Anderson, former president of The American University of Cairo
‘Essential reading, not only for scholars of the Middle East, but for all those who are interested in understanding today’s changing international system.’ -- Peter Millett, former British ambassador to Libya (2015–18)
‘A must-read book for anyone interested in understanding how global organisations have become paralysed in the twenty-first century.’ -- Rupert Wieloch, Senior British Military Commander in Libya (2011–12)
‘Brilliantly enriched by the author’s reflections on his many direct experiences transacting business and undertaking research in key areas of the geopolitical chessboard–thus adding a high degree of originality, nuance, and readability.’ -- Karim Mezran, Director of the North Africa Initiative and Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council
‘An essential contribution to the literature on post-revolutionary Libya.’ -- Tim Eaton, Senior Research Fellow, Chatham House
