Overcoming Gangsterism and Geo-Political Anarchy: The Case for a Supranational World Order

“Thought-provoking and timely, this book offers compelling questions and insights amid a shifting world order—perhaps one evolving into a multipolar reality. Its ideas deserve discussion not only among scholars but also at dinner tables around the world and indeed by any one who seeks practically peace and prosperity for humanity.” (Annela Anger, Professor University of Cambridge and fellow of Emmanuel College Cambridge)

“I wholeheartedly endorse this compelling book that tackles one of the most pressing issues of our time: the failures and inherent violence of the nation-state system. Based on a thought-provoking critique of the current world order it argues skilfully for innovative solutions rooted both in classical theory and current issues building on the notion of a supranational world authority. It will be a valuable source for all those interested in global governance and sustainable peace.” (Paola De Vivo Professor and Director of the Department of Political Science, Università di Napoli Federico II)

“This timely and thought-provoking work challenges us to rethink global governance structures in an era of shifting influence from West to East. By drawing on lessons from the EU and ASEAN, the authors offer an inspiring vision for a supranational world order grounded in peace, sustainability, and shared human values.” (Vasu Srivibha, Chair – PRME Chapter ASEAN+ and Chief Impact Officer, Sasin School of Management)

“A bold and provocative work that dares to imagine a world beyond national sovereignty. Built on deep philosophical foundations, this book argues that lasting peace and justice demand a supranational authority capable of enforcing law above the nation state. Whether regarded as visionary or utopian, this is a book of big, necessary ideas. It is an invitation to think anew about humanity’s political future at a moment when the old frameworks pose imminent danger.” (J. Peter Clinch, Jean Monnet Professor of European Environmental Economics and Full Professor of Public Policy, University College Dublin)

The contemporary geopolitical order is marked by profound instability: international law appears fractured and largely ineffective, might is often right as power prevails over principle. This book identifies one fundamental reason for the apparent gangsterish anarchy— lack of enforcement power for international institutions and the primary premise of international law being that of an effectively absolute national sovereignty. Drawing on the political philosophies of Hobbes and Kant this books advances a bold proposal: the creation of a supranational world authority endowed with genuine enforcement powers. Such an authority would require states to cede voluntarily limited aspects of sovereignty essential for sustaining global peace and addressing shared interdependent challenges. Far from being utopian, this vision finds precedent in and could be modelled upon the European Union, whose supranational institutions offer both lessons and cautionary tales for designing a global framework.

The book can be a starting point for a truly innovative and in our day much needed reflection on the future of geopolitical relations; and it sketches how a worldwide political cooperation, concretely inspired by values of solidarity and peace might be put in place. This book will be of interest to scholars of political theory, of international relations and of international law as well as political leaders and policy-makers the world over who are seeking truly lasting peace and prosperity.

Patrick O’Sullivan is an Adjunct Professor of Political Economy at the University of Warsaw

Paolo Ricci is a Professor of Public Accountability at the University of Napoli Federico II

Ola Ngau is General Secretary at the Professors Guild International Rimini

Including independent contributions from Francis Kim (Chulalogkorn University Bangkok), Alojzy Nowak (University of Warsaw), Daniela Russo (University of Napoli Federico II) and Alexandru Zgardan (Grenoble Ecole de Management)