What changed with the end of the Cold War? This book traces the main effects on Europe, Pacific Asia, the Middle East, and arms control. It considers the major developments in the global economy, patterns of security, and liberal human rights, providing the first comprehensive overview of the nature of the post-Cold War order. It argues that this order should be understood as a kind of peace settlement. How harsh was it, and what were its main provisions?

Following a clear structure, Clark brings a clear historical perspective to bear on the existing debates about the post-Cold War order, looking at detailed studies of the settlement in Europe and other regions to explore the nature of the 'peace'. He 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 peace set in place at the end of the Cold War.