It is, as Chris Patten notes, a funny old world. And it seems to be getting funnier by the day. The global triumph of liberal democracy, with the world made in ... » 

It is, as Chris Patten notes, a funny old world. And it seems to be getting funnier by the day. The global triumph of liberal democracy, with the world made in America and Europe's image, has failed to materialize. What will take its place? Here Patten draws on his many years at the highest levels of international affairs to tackle the big questions of our time - from energy shortages to the arms trade, immigration to the ascendancy of the East - offering a wise, witty and surprisingly optimistic account of the world today. «