The New World Order

Also available in hardback, 9781859730591 GBP55.00 (August, 1996)

This work addresses the central question of sovereignty after the end of the Cold War - which internal actions of states will justify intervention by the international community? The theme of the essays is the conflict between cultural relativism and human rights in the postmodern world.The end of the Cold War has allowed for the prospect of a New World Order, in which the United Nations and other 'international actors' may return to their post-war mandate of maintaining international peace and security through collective action. This book addresses the central question of sovereignty under the new regime: which internal actions of states will justify intervention by the international community? The unifying theme of these chapters -- written from a wide variety of national and cultural perspectives -- is the conflict between cultural relativism and human rights in the postmodern world. Eleven authors address these questions to determine the meaning and limits of national self-determination after the fall of communism. This book is essential reading for all who seek to understand the emerging international system of the twenty-first century.