Liberal Leviathan

In the latter half of the twentieth century, the United States established a significant liberal international order, achieving notable success in enhancing global security and prosperity. However, this American-led order has faced challenges in the past decade. Some critics attribute its troubles to the Bush administration's war on terror and unilateral actions, while others suggest we are witnessing the decline of American influence. G. John Ikenberry addresses these issues, asserting that the current crisis is fundamentally one of authority, marked by a political struggle over roles and rights within the liberal order. Despite these challenges, the underlying principles of the liberal order remain robust. The rise of non-Western powers like China, shifting norms of sovereignty, and increasing economic and security interdependence are outcomes of the order's successful evolution, not its collapse. Historically, the liberal international order has faced crises and adapted; it is poised to do so again. Ikenberry offers a comprehensive analysis of the liberal order's theory and practice, urging policymakers, scholars, and the public to understand the necessity of renegotiating America's global relationships and adopting a more enlightened strategy as a liberal leviathan.