“The Twilight of Sovereignty” by Walter B. Wriston is an essential book for anyone looking to understand globalization and its effects on the world’s nations. Wriston argues that the era of nation-state supremacy is coming to a close as technological changes, communication proliferation, the global economy, and international law begin to take hold. In this way, he predicts that the world will soon move toward a globalized future, with all its benefits and consequences.
The book begins by tracing the historical rise of the nation-state. Wriston argues that for centuries nation-states have been the dominant form of government, and as such, have enjoyed a special kind of authority and immunity from external influence. This has enabled them to control their citizens, govern the flow of capital and goods, and project political and military power around the globe.
However, Wriston then goes on to explain that this era of nation-state power is quickly coming to an end. He describes how the emergence of an increasingly interconnected world is allowing for the growth of new global entities and networks that are able to rapidly pass around information, capital, and people, often without the need for individual nation-state approval. This has, in turn, led to a weakening of the power of the nation-state.
Wriston then argues that this is not necessarily a bad thing. He believes that this period of “twilight” can actually create many opportunities, such as increased global cooperation on issues such as climate change and poverty reduction. At the same time, however, he also acknowledges that this new era has its drawbacks, particularly in the realm of national security. In this way, he argues that it is up to both governments and citizens to remain aware of how these changes will affect politics, economics, and culture in the future
Wriston closes the book by examining how the United States is navigating this transition. He argues that in many ways, the US is ahead of the curve in terms of recognizing the importance of global engagement and cooperation. At the same time, however, he cautions that the nation-state remains a powerful force, and as such, must remain aware of the importance of maintaining some degree of sovereignty over their own affairs in order to remain a strong player in the international arena.
In sum, “The Twilight of Sovereignty” by Walter B. Wriston is an essential read for modern-day political theorists and global citizens alike. It provides an informative, thoughtful, and insightful analysis of the major changes being wrought in the world’s international political landscape, as well as offering valuable insight into how best to navigate these changes and address their associated challenges. In this way, it is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to gain a greater understanding of the current state of global politics.
