The Quest for World Order: Perspectives of a
Pragmatic Idealist is a collection of speeches and writings by Professor Tommy
Koh, one of the most distinguished diplomats and statesmen of our time. Tommy
Koh was, among other things, Singapore’s long-time ambassador to the UN and
played a key role in global negotiations on the Law of the Sea and on the
environment. The collection provides an insider’s view of the workings and
failings of the UN system, and suggests practical measures for reforming the
global body. It offers firsthand insights into the techniques and intricacies of
multilateral negotiations, bargaining and problem-solving. It also contains his
thoughts on Singapore’s economic progress and foreign policy options. Readers
will find in this volume his assessment of some of the key issues and challenges
facing the Asia Pacific region, such as co-operation and conflict in Asia’s
relations with the US and Europe, prospects for regional co-operation in
Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific, and the role of culture, values, and
governance in shaping Asia’s place in the new world order. Written in simple and
elegant prose, accessible to the general reader, policy-maker and the academic
specialist alike, the book is intended for those interested in international
organizations, law and diplomacy, as well as Asian political, economic and
strategic affairs. The foreword to the book is written by Kofi Annan, the
Secretary-General of the United Nations.
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