Concerts and dissonance -- A precarious polarization -- The system without a name (1989- ) -- "Fireside chats" -- Western "nobility" -- The imperative of governance -- Concert of contention -- The emerging powers as arbiters -- An anomic international system
Summary
The status quo of the modern world order, a diplomatic entente best characterized as "connivance diplomacy," is limited in its performances, defensive of its privileges, midway between competition and cooperation. It is examined here through its history, its functions, and its failures
