Book talk: The National Interest - A new basis for international cooperation in the 21st Century

How should we respond to a fragmenting world order, in which populist challengers, new geopolitical rivalries and trade wars seem to be scuppering the prospects of international cooperation and conflict management in the twenty-first century? In his new book, RDR associate professor of international relations Philip Cunliffe argues that we have the opportunity to reboot international cooperation on a new and more durable foundation – but only if we are willing to defend our national interests. In his ground-breaking new book, "The National Interest: Politics After Globalisation," Philip Cunliffe argues that a bold reassertion of national interest does not mark a retreat into isolationism, instead it is the key to fostering a new era of peaceful international cooperation.

 Drawing on historical case studies and plenty of contemporary insights, the book explores how the national underpinnings of our transnational and supranational institutions inherited from the last century have slowly eroded, making international cooperation less legitimate and thereby prone to populist challenges. By contrast, a rediscovery of national interest politics can help us identity sovereign priorities and is in doing, can help relegitimate international cooperation with democratic support, thereby helping us align diverse countries toward shared goals. From climate change adaptation through strategic resource management to industrial policy and supply chain management, this new book argues that by reclaiming national control over economic policies and politics, we can contribute to devising a pragmatic blueprint for a multipolar world where empowered states negotiate from positions of strength, reduce dependencies and enhance mutual trust. 

 Registration will close two hours before the event begins.