How a World Order Ends

 

And What Comes in Its Wake

A stable world order is a rare thing. When one does arise, it tends to come after a great convulsion that creates both the conditions and the desire for something new. It requires a stable distribution of power and broad acceptance of the rules that govern the conduct of international relations. It also needs skillful statecraft, since an order is made, not born. And no matter how ripe the starting conditions or strong the initial desire, maintaining it demands creative diplomacy, functioning institutions, and effective action to adjust it when circumstances change and buttress it when challenges come.

Germany’s Nuclear Future

Once there was a great fear of a nuclear-armed Germany …

The Federal Republic of Germany has been home to a portion of nato’s nuclear weapons since the Cold War. When the arrangement was first made, some feared that Germany would break the deal with nato and use the weapons for its own interest. But today that fear appears to have vanished, and America is promoting Germany’s ability to use the stationed bombs.