Power Shift: On the New Global Order

The theme of this book from Falk (emeritus, international law, Princeton Univ.; Chaos and Counterrevolution) is how the long-established international structure based on state military and economic power is being subverted by smaller countries, nonstate groups, and individuals, while the establishment is fighting back with repressive security controls and economic measures. The 13 chapters cover diverse topics such as the danger of drones, the legacy of World War I, and the failure of individuals to identify as a species and work together for the greater common good. The U.S. and neoliberalist policies are the primary villains here. Falk, an expert on international law and human rights in Palestine, is a controversial activist who has criticized Israeli actions. He supports increasing the effectiveness of international organizations, although he doesn't seem very hopeful given the violent threats to world order and the entrenched militaristic thinking in governments today.