30.09.2019

Civilisations, states, and world order Where are we? Where are we heading?

Richard Higgott

Professor Higgot’s report looks at the challenges facing traditional understandings of globalisation and the US-led global order in the face of the increasing pressures coming from what we call "civilisation states" or "state-civilizations" – most notably China and India — as they seek to reshape the contemporary international order in both ideational and material terms.” It sets out an applied and empirical investigation of the limitations that policymakers face and the options available to them to restructure the global order. The report shows that there are no simple answers or easy choices. It suggests that if we are to avoid a new ‘clash of civilizations’ we need to establish a framework and practices necessary for genuine negotiated global dialogue.