Global Alliance (Washington Consensus and Social Democracy)

Author: David Held (Held, D.) Author, Zhou Junhua Translator
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features:
● I found this to be a very inspiring book; it not only analyzes the issue of global order but also provides a credible framework for global multilateral cooperation.
● This is a book written specifically for our time. – Robin Cook, Former British Foreign Secretary
● David Held has written a brilliant book that explores the major issues that political decision-makers are grappling with in the post-9/11 era. Everyone concerned with the future of the world should read this book. – Javier Solana, Secretary-General of the European Parliament
● A rare book that blends sociological imagination, with in-depth analysis and solid empirical evidence, revealing a new perspective on political architecture: an outstanding integrative study over the past decade. – Jürgen Habermas, Professor at the University of Goethe
Professor David Held’s Global Covenant created a huge impact in the international academic community upon its publication in 2004. This was largely due to his academic standing. Held has made significant contributions not only in democratic theory and international relations but also in globalization and global governance. He was not only one of the earliest scholars to focus on these issues but also one of the most influential analysts over the longest period.
In Global Covenant, Professor Held explores the failures and crises in international politics following the 9/11 attacks and the Iraq War. He argues that in the face of the severe challenges posed by global terrorism and political violence, the Washington Consensus has become ineffective and a new approach is needed. He calls this alternative the "Social Democratic Consensus," which not only addresses current challenges but also provides for political and social justice.
To find this consensus, Held examines the structural changes in the global order in this book and divides it into three parts: Economy, Politics, and Law. In each part, he analyzes the current major trends, the challenges faced, and provides a series of detailed policy recommendations.
According to Held’s own introduction, another major contribution of the book is its critical review of the current academic debates surrounding the global order. For those seeking answers to globalization and global governance—political scholars, policymakers, students, and general readers—this book is an invaluable read.