The Age of Unpeace: How Connectivity Causes Conflict

The Age of Unpeace examines how global connectivity and interdependence have transformed from forces for peace into weapons of conflict between nations. Through analysis of technology, trade, information flows, and infrastructure, Mark Leonard demonstrates the ways interconnectedness now enables countries to harm each other without military action. Leonard explores multiple fronts where connectivity breeds conflict: from cyber warfare and economic sanctions to manipulation of supply chains and strategic infrastructure. The book draws on interviews with policymakers and experts while presenting case studies of recent international tensions between major powers. Through concrete examples involving China, Russia, the EU, and the United States, the author maps out the new landscape of international relations where networks themselves become battlegrounds. The analysis covers topics like data sovereignty, technology standards, and the weaponization of interdependence. The book challenges conventional wisdom about globalization's role in promoting international stability, suggesting that connectivity without proper governance structures may increase global disorder. This work provides a framework for understanding modern geopolitical competition in an interconnected world.

Readers describe this as an analysis of how interconnected systems like the internet, trade, and migration are weaponized for conflict rather than cooperation. Multiple reviewers note the book's relevance to current events, particularly regarding Russia, China, and cyber warfare. Readers appreciated: - Clear examples showing how connectivity enables new forms of conflict - Analysis of economic interdependence as both stabilizing and destabilizing - Discussion of how technology companies influence geopolitics Common criticisms: - Some arguments felt repetitive - Limited solutions offered for the problems identified - Focus mainly on great power competition rather than smaller conflicts Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (136 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (82 ratings) Sample review: "Leonard makes a compelling case for how interconnectedness has become a source of vulnerability rather than security. The examples are eye-opening, though I wished for more concrete recommendations." - Amazon reviewer

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🌐 Mark Leonard founded the European Council on Foreign Relations, the first pan-European think tank, which now has offices in seven European capitals. 📱 The book explores how the same networks that facilitate global trade, travel, and communication—including the internet, supply chains, and financial systems—are increasingly being weaponized for conflict. 🔍 Leonard developed his "connectivity paradox" theory after observing how China used global interdependence to pressure other nations, including blocking Norwegian salmon imports after the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo. ⚡ The author coined the term "unpeace" to describe the gray zone between war and peace, where nations use economic and technological connections as tools of coercion. 🗓️ The book was partly inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated how interconnected systems could rapidly spread both disease and economic disruption across the globe.