A book about the biggest question of our time: war or peace? Are we facing a third world war? The world order is faltering: More and more major powers are vying for dominance—in technology, trade, and geopolitical spheres. Odd Arne Westad urgently warns of the dangers of a new global war of unprecedented scale. Drawing on his profound knowledge of the past, he outlines the parallels between today's multipolar world and the pre-war era before 1914. He shows why we need new approaches to diplomacy, deterrence, and compromise—before it's too late. The international order as we knew it no longer exists. The outbreak of a global war seems more likely than ever. History does not repeat itself, but it does reveal recurring patterns. To understand the threats in this complex world, we must look to the lessons of the early 20th century, which bears an uncanny resemblance to our own time: a period in which great powers vied for regional dominance, and nationalism, populism, and trade wars were on the rise. Westad incisively argues that our previous notions of international diplomacy are no longer adequate. He calls for a new approach to compromise, nuclear deterrence, and diplomatic language and practice before the old mistakes are repeated. For those who know history know that the next storm is brewing quietly. But its force could surpass anything humanity has ever experienced. New product