Mark Leonard

Mark Leonard is a British political scientist and foreign policy expert who founded the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) in 2007. He is known for his analysis of geopolitics, particularly focusing on European politics, China's global influence, and the changing nature of international power dynamics. His most notable works include "Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century" (2005) and "What Does China Think?" (2008), which have been translated into over 20 languages. Leonard's writing frequently appears in major publications including The Financial Times, The New York Times, and Le Monde. Leonard's career includes advisory roles for prominent political figures and institutions, having worked with Tony Blair's government and various European leaders. He currently serves as Director of the ECFR and is a visiting fellow at the European Institute of the London School of Economics. His recent work focuses on the transformation of global politics and economics, particularly examining how Western democracies can adapt to a world where their dominance is no longer assured. Leonard's 2021 book "The Age of Unpeace" explores how everyday connections between countries have become weapons in a new era of geopolitical competition.

Readers value Leonard's ability to break down complex geopolitical concepts and present clear forecasts about global power shifts. His book "What Does China Think?" receives praise for offering direct insights into Chinese political thinking through interviews with officials and intellectuals. Readers appreciate: - Clear explanations of international relations - Integration of real policy examples - Balanced analysis of multiple viewpoints - Original research and firsthand interviews Common criticisms: - Some predictions in "Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century" did not materialize - Academic tone can be dry for general readers - Occasional Euro-centric bias in analysis - Recent works seen as less groundbreaking than earlier books Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "What Does China Think?" - 3.7/5 (127 ratings) "Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century" - 3.5/5 (89 ratings) "The Age of Unpeace" - 4.1/5 (76 ratings) Amazon: Average 4.0/5 across titles Top review quote: "Leonard excels at explaining how interconnectedness creates new vulnerabilities in international relations" - Amazon reviewer

What Does China Think? (2008) An examination of Chinese intellectuals, officials, and public figures sharing their views on democracy, economics, and China's role in the world.

Why Europe Will Run the 21st Century (2005) Analysis of the European Union's influence through its model of governance, laws, and soft power in contrast to traditional military dominance.

Connectivity Wars: Why Migration, Finance and Trade are the Geo-Economic Battlegrounds of the Future (2016) Exploration of how interdependence and global networks have become tools of strategic competition between nations.

The Age of Unpeace: How Connectivity Causes Conflict (2021) Study of how globalization and interconnectedness can increase international tensions rather than reduce them.

Making Europe Popular: The Search for European Identity (1998) Investigation of European identity formation and public perception of the European Union across member states.

Parag Khanna writes about geopolitics and global power shifts through the lens of connectivity and infrastructure networks. His analysis of international relations focuses on similar themes to Leonard's work regarding the changing world order and Europe's role.

Fareed Zakaria examines global politics and the decline of Western dominance in international affairs. His work on the post-American world order aligns with Leonard's analysis of power distribution and regional influences.

Ivan Krastev focuses on European politics and democracy with particular attention to Eastern Europe and the EU's internal dynamics. His examination of European identity and institutional challenges parallels Leonard's work on EU geopolitics.

Charles Kupchan analyzes the transformation of global order and the future of American power in a multipolar world. His research on international relations and diplomatic history covers similar ground to Leonard's writing on great power competition.

Kishore Mahbubani writes about the rise of Asian powers and the rebalancing of global influence between East and West. His perspective on changing world order complements Leonard's analysis of European and Western positions in global affairs.