Sets out an overview of the nature of the post-Cold War order. It argues that this order should be understood as a peace settlement. How harsh was it, and what were its main provisions? The nature of the "peace" is traced through detailed studies of the settlement in Europe, and in other regions.

What changed with the end of the Cold War? This book traces the main effects on Europe, Pacific Asia, the Middle East, and on important issues such as arms control. It considers the major continents in the global economy, their patterns of security, and liberal human rights, providing the first comprehensive overview of the nature of the post-Cold War order--which should be understood as a kind of peace settlement. Clark brings a clear historical perspective to existing debates on the topic, looking at detailed studies of the settlement and exploring the nature of the 'peace.' He also develops a fresh way of looking at the global economy, international security, and the agenda of liberalism and human rights--all as aspects of the sense of peace set in place at the end of the Cold War.