John Ikenberry Books

The end of the Cold War was a "big bang" reminiscent of earlier moments after major wars, such as the end of the Napoleonic Wars in 1815 and the end of the World Wars in 1919 and 1945. Here John Ikenberry asks the question, what do states that win wars do with their newfound power and how do they use it to build order? In examining the postwar settlements in modern history, he argues that powerful countries do seek to build stable and cooperative relations, but the type of order that emerges hinges on their ability to make commitments and restrain power. The author explains that only with the spread of democracy in the twentieth century and the innovative use of international institutions--both linked to the emergence of the United States as a world power--has order been created that goes beyond balance of power politics to exhibit "constitutional" characteristics. The open character of the American polity and a web of multilateral institutions allow the United States to exercise strategic restraint and establish stable relations among the industrial democracies despite rapid shifts and extreme disparities in power. Blending comparative politics with international relations, and history with theory, After Victory will be of interest to anyone concerned with the organization of world order, the role of institutions in world politics, and the lessons of past postwar settlements for today.--Back Cover.

Was George W Bush the true heir of Woodrow Wilson, the architect of liberal internationalism? And was the Iraq War a result of liberal ideas about America's right to promote democracy abroad? This book considers America's position on the global stage and what future directions might be possible for the nation in the post-Bush era.

A sweeping account of the rise and evolution of liberal internationalism in the modern era, selected as a Best Book of 2021 by Foreign Affairs

American power today is without historical precedent, dominating the world system. No other nation has enjoyed such formidable advantages in military, economic, technological, cultural, and political capabilities. How stable is this unipolar American order? Will the age-old dynamic of the balance of power reemerge as the other great powers rise up to challenge American preeminence? America Unrivaled examines these questions. The experts in this volume contend that full-scale balancing in this new world order has not yet occurred. They ask if a backlash against American dominance is just around the corner, or if characteristics of the current situation alter or eliminate the entire logic of power balancing. American power poses threats, as do the likely responses to that power, the experts argue in America Unrivaled. The definition of these threats is critical to understanding future political trends and learning whether an original (and stable) world system has already come into existence. Most of the contributors agree that novel features of the American hegemony and the wider global order make an automatic return to a traditional balance of power order unlikely.

A sweeping account of the rise and evolution of liberal internationalism in the modern era For two hundred years, the grand project of liberal internationalism has been to build a world order that is open, loosely rules-based, and oriented toward progressive ideas. Today this project is in crisis, threatened from the outside by illiberal challengers and from the inside by nationalist-populist movements. This timely book offers the first full account of liberal internationalism’s long journey from its nineteenth-century roots to today’s fractured political moment. Creating an international “space” for liberal democracy, preserving rights and protections within and between countries, and balancing conflicting values such as liberty and equality, openness and social solidarity, and sovereignty and interdependence—these are the guiding aims that have propelled liberal internationalism through the upheavals of the past two centuries. G. John Ikenberry argues that in a twenty-first century marked by rising economic and security interdependence, liberal internationalism—reformed and reimagined—remains the most viable project to protect liberal democracy.

The book explores how major-state victors translate military success into sustainable political orders, examining historical post-war settlements and their implications for international relations. Ikenberry employs a historical sociological framework, arguing that states create institutions to manage power dynamics and foster cooperation. The analysis contrasts with realist and constructivist perspectives, emphasizing the importance of limiting unilateral power. Through historical case studies, it addresses key questions about global order, making it essential for students and practitioners of foreign policy.

Written by three leading scholars in the field of International Relations, this textbook provides an authoritative introduction to the discipline, including coverage of security studies, international political economy, international organizations and non-state actors. A comprehensive history chapter also helps students to appreciate the key developments that created today's political landscape. The book frames each chapter around an enduring question; long-standing dilemmas that have engaged generations of IR scholars and students—such as why do wars occur, and how can economic benefits be shared more equally—demonstrating the continuing relevance of these issues and ideas. A collection of innovative learning tools equips students with the skills they need for sound analysis of today’s headlines. The textbook is ideal for undergraduate and master degree students who are taking introductory courses on International Relations, Global Politics and World Politics.

In the latter half of the twentieth century, the United States established a significant liberal international order, achieving notable success in enhancing global security and prosperity. However, this American-led order has faced challenges in the past decade. Some critics attribute its troubles to the Bush administration's war on terror and unilateral actions, while others suggest we are witnessing the decline of American influence. G. John Ikenberry addresses these issues, asserting that the current crisis is fundamentally one of authority, marked by a political struggle over roles and rights within the liberal order. Despite these challenges, the underlying principles of the liberal order remain robust. The rise of non-Western powers like China, shifting norms of sovereignty, and increasing economic and security interdependence are outcomes of the order's successful evolution, not its collapse. Historically, the liberal international order has faced crises and adapted; it is poised to do so again. Ikenberry offers a comprehensive analysis of the liberal order's theory and practice, urging policymakers, scholars, and the public to understand the necessity of renegotiating America's global relationships and adopting a more enlightened strategy as a liberal leviathan.