Gridlock: Why Global Cooperation is Failing when We Need It Most

“A must-read for those thinking about a better global governance.”
Pascal Lamy, Director-General of the World Trade Organization

“Their book is convincing, well written, and sobering.”
Perspectives on Politics

“International institutions are less and less able to solve global problems even as we need them more and more. Gridlock offers a lucid and concise set of explanations for the dysfunction we observe across the security, economic, and environmental arenas. Best of all, by identifying systemic patterns of failure and the underlying causes, the authors are able to put forward a useful set of practical solutions. A great read for policymakers and experts.”
Anne-Marie Slaughter, Princeton University

“There is no shortage of books that make the case for global cooperation; this one explains why we are not getting it. Ranging over international security, the global economy, and the environment, this excellent and sensible book elucidates why our global commons is becoming increasingly unmanageable, as a result in part of the very success of the post-war international system.”
Dani Rodrik, Harvard University

“An eye-opening and encouraging book. Not only does it present an analysis of why global cooperation is failing, but it also offers pathways out of gridlock.”
Ulrich Beck, University of Munich

“In Gridlock, Thomas Hale, David Held, and Kevin Young offer an ambitious and sweeping treatment of contemporary global issues that combines sociology, political economy, and international relations.”
Peter M. Haas, University of Massachusetts Amherst

“It is an accessible, pleasant read thanks to its eloquent prose and remarkable storytelling.”
Global Policy

Thomas Hale is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

David Held is master of University College and professor of politics and international relations at Durham University

Kevin Young is assistant professor of political science at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.