The Lost Peace: How the West Failed to Prevent a Second Cold War

The end of the Cold War in 1989 presented a chance for global peace, but three decades later, war in Ukraine and tensions between China, Russia, and the West have revived great power competition. Richard Sakwa's book argues that the years before the first mass invasion of Ukraine represented a hiatus in conflict rather than a lasting accord and that we have been in a "Second Cold War" since then.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 24 October 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

The end of the Cold War in 1989 presented a once-in-a-generation opportunity for lasting global peace. However, our failure to seize this moment has led us to the renewed era of great power competition that we see today. The world had finally begun to heal from the scars of decades of ideological conflict and warfare. But now, three decades later, that peace has been lost. The war in Ukraine, along with rising tensions between China, Russia, and the West, has once again brought great power politics to the forefront of the international stage.

In his book, "The Second Cold War: How the World Lost Its Chance at Peace," Richard Sakwa argues that the years leading up to the first mass invasion of Ukraine marked a temporary respite from conflict rather than a lasting accord. Since then, we have been in a "Second Cold War," characterized by the resurgence of China and Russia, the disruptions caused by the liberal order, and the potential for catastrophic new lines of conflict.

Sakwa meticulously examines the mistakes made by both sides that led to the current crisis. He highlights the rise of China and Russia as major powers, as well as the ambitions of the liberal order that opened up new avenues for conflict. He also explores the disruptions caused by the rise of populism, nationalism, and authoritarianism in various parts of the world.

This book is a vital and strongly argued account of how the world lost its chance at peace and instead saw the return of war in Europe, global rivalries, and nuclear brinksmanship. It serves as a warning that we cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes that led to the Cold War, and that we must work together to build a more stable and peaceful world.

The end of the Cold War was a historic moment that offered the world a chance for a new beginning. However, our inability to seize this opportunity has led us down a dangerous path of great power competition and conflict. It is up to us to learn from our mistakes and work towards a future where peace and stability are the norm.

Weight: 742g
Dimension: 240 x 160 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300255010