War Is Interested in You by Gideon Rachman review – are we on the brink of world war three?

Gideon Rachman's latest work examines the rising global tensions that could lead to a new world war, highlighting the aggressive posturing of nuclear powers like the US, China, and Russia. He notes that authoritarian leaders are undermining international institutions, resulting in increased conflicts worldwide. The situation is exacerbated by the shifting balance of power, particularly regarding Taiwan, which poses a significant risk of direct conflict between the US and China. Rachman critiques the effectiveness of existing peace mechanisms and suggests that as American influence wanes, a new order based on spheres of influence may emerge, raising concerns about potential clashes among authoritarian regimes. While the book presents a bleak outlook, Rachman's engaging writing style makes the complex subject accessible.