This book offers a new interpretation of the origins of the contemporary global order - the set of institutions and international practices created by the USA and its allies after the Second World War. Previous interpretations have argued that the USA played the predominant role in creating the global order to fight the Cold War against the Soviet Union. The author argues that a broader perspective is necessary to understand both the origins of the global order, and its ongoing tensions up until today, a perspective that includes the legacy of both world wars, the role of imperialism, and the alternative strategy of globally oriented economic blocs. The cooperative tradition in the founding of the global order and the contributions of nations besides the USA provides useful insights for those interested in the current global order and the challenges it faces from Russia and China.

Carl J. Strikwerda has served as a historical consultant to the National World War One Museum in the USA, taught at the University of California, Riverside; the University of Kansas; and the College of William and Mary, and served as both President and Professor of History at Elizabethtown College.