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CRITICAL REVIEW

TÜFEKÇI, ÖZGÜR & DAĞ, RAHMAN (ED) (2022). TRENDS AND

TRANSFORMATIONS IN WORLD POLITICS. LANHAM: LEXINGTON

BOOKS, ISBN: 9781793650238

FEVZI KIRBAŞOĞLU

fkirbasoglu@ktu.edu.tr

Research Assistant of the International Relations Department at Karadeniz Technical University

(Türkiye). He received MA degree in 2019 from the International Relations Department of KTU,

with a thesis entitled “The EU’s Response to Rising Powers: The Case of Turkey”. In the same

year, he started his doctoral studies in the field of International Security and Terrorism under the

Council of Higher Education's (CoHE) prestigious 100/2000 PhD Scholarship Program. His current

research interests include EU Law and Institutions, European Political Integration, and the

geopolitical dynamics of the Black Sea region. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8797-4750.

The book Trends and Transformations in World Politics, edited by Özgür Tüfekçi,

Associate Professor in the Department of International Relations at Karadeniz Technical

University in Türkiye, and Rahman Dağ, Associate Professor in the Department of

Economy Politics of the Middle East at Marmara University in Türkiye, examines the

fundamental changes in the post-Cold War international system. The book discusses

these transformations in the context of unilateralism, multilateralism and the new world

order and analyses their impacts on states, international organizations and regional

dynamics (pp. 1-4).

The book consists of introduction and two main parts. The first part includes six chapter:

structural changes in the post-Cold War era, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s

(NATO) need for transformation, the complex relationship between national sovereignty

and intervention, Russian foreign policy, China’s contribution to the multipolar world

order through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and global governance issues. The

second part examines the fundamental trends and transformations in world politics from

the perspectives of prominent International Relations (IR) scholars.

Richard Sakwa opens the first section by arguing that the post-Cold War period initially

manifested as a cold peace, before transitioning into what he terms a Second Cold War

from 2014 onwards (pp. 30-33, 41-43). According to Sakwa, this new era began with

the challenge posed by neorevisionist states such as Russia and China to the liberal

international order led by the United States. Furthermore, Sakwa predicts that this period

will continue for a long time time in a more complex and multipolar structure (pp. 31-

33).

The second chapter, entitled NATO–The Urgent Need for Adaptation (Again) in a

Changing World: Revitalization of Political Dimension, Southern Flank, and China Factor,

Luis Tomé analyses the necessity for NATO to adapt to evolving geopolitical

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 16, Nº. 1

May-October 2025, pp. 515-519

Tüfekçi, Özgür & Dağ, Rahman (Ed) (2022). Trends and Transformations in World Politics.

Lanham: Lexington Books, ISBN: 9781793650238

Fevzi Kirbaşoğlu

516

circumstances and emerging strategic threats. Tomé asserts that for NATO to respond

effectively to the complex geopolitical and security challenges of the present era, it must

revitalise its political dimension (pp. 48–57). Tomé posits that while NATO has

successfully adapted to threats on its eastern flank, primarily focused on Russia, it has

exhibited strategic weakness on its southern flank (pp. 57–63). In particular, the

ascendance of China, as evidenced by initiatives such as the BRI, is identified as a novel

and substantial challenge for NATO, underscoring the necessity for the alliance to adapt

to the dynamics of global competition (pp. 63-66, 71).

The third chapter, entitled Effect of Cases on the Rivalry Between National Sovereignty

and Intervention addresses the equilibrium between state sovereignty and interventions

undertaken for the protection of human rights within the context of international law and

norms (pp. 81-82). In order to examine this topic further, Ekrem Ok and Tüfekçi analyse

three case studies: Libya, Syria and Iraq (pp. 88-90, 91-92). Ekrem Ok and Tüfekçi

illustrate that the legitimacy of humanitarian intervention is contingent upon the

outcomes achieved. The success of intervention efforts tends to validate the policies of

intervention, whereas unsuccessful operations serve to reinforce arguments against such

actions (pp. 82-84; 89-91). Ok and Tüfekçi observe that the developments in Iraq and

Libya have considerably eroded confidence in the concept of humanitarian intervention.

Nevertheless, they contend that it cannot be wholly condemned as unlawful or illegitimate

and that each instance must be assessed on its own merits (pp. 85-87).

The fourth chapter, entitled The Bear has Taken the Honey: Predictability of Putin’s Russia

examines the role of Russia under Vladimir Putin’s leadership in world politics and its

predictability (p. 99). Sónia Sénica’s analysis focuses on the relationship between

Russia’s domestic political dynamics and its foreign policy, examining the manner in

which Putin’s personal leadership style contributes to this predictability. Sénica posits

that foreign policy is shaped not only by the pressures of the international system but

also by domestic political structures, national interests and the perceptions of leaders.

Sénica presents the Ukraine crisis and the intervention in Syria as concrete examples of

Russia’s efforts to assert itself on the international stage by using its military and

diplomatic power, while also securing domestic political legitimacy (p. 101). The chapter

concludes that Putin’s foreign policy decisions, fundamentally driven by the ambition to

restore Russia’s great power status, follow a largely predictable trajectory (p. 100).

The fifth chapter, entitled How Eurasian Integration of China’s Belt and Road Initiative

Defends a Multipolar World Order, examines the ways in which China’s involvement in

Eurasia through the BRI is employed to establish and safeguard a multipolar world order

(p. 117). Andrew K.P. Leung posits that BRI represents a component of China’s strategy

to consolidate its economic and geopolitical power and accelerate the transition to a

multipolar world order (p. 123). This initiative enables China to assume a pivotal role in

global supply chains while simultaneously deepening its collaboration with Eurasian

partners, particularly Russia. This serves to counterbalance the influence of the United

States in the Asia-Pacific region (pp. 117, 123, 131). Furthermore, Leung asserts that

through this initiative, China aims to enhance its global influence and attract developing

countries to its side, thereby contributing to global economic growth. However, it is also

emphasised that China’s initiative has prompted a counterreaction in the West,

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 16, Nº. 1

May-October 2025, pp. 515-519

Tüfekçi, Özgür & Dağ, Rahman (Ed) (2022). Trends and Transformations in World Politics.

Lanham: Lexington Books, ISBN: 9781793650238

Fevzi Kirbaşoğlu

517

particularly in the United States, manifested as the China scare, which could potentially

have a detrimental impact on China’s global image in the future (pp. 117-119).

The sixth chapter, entitled Whither Global Governance? An Approach to the World Politics,

the concept of global governance and its role in world politics are addressed. Tüfekçi and

Dağ examine the role of global governance in world politics and evaluate the efficacy of

international cooperation mechanisms in addressing global issues. Although Tüfekçi and

Dağ recognise the value of global governance as a means of addressing international

issues, they highlight the limitations of the current system, in which states, reluctant to

relinquish their sovereignty, continue to exert significant influence (pp. 137, 140-141).

Consequently, Tüfekçi and Dağ posit that in order to more effectively address

international issues through mechanisms that are more inclusive, transparent and

cooperative, it is necessary for states to reassess their understanding of sovereignty and

for international organisations to undergo reform (pp. 145-148).

The second part of the book, entitled Trends and Transformation in World Politics through

the Eyes of the Leading IR Scholars, comprises interviews with seventeen distinguished

scholars in the field of IR. The interviews provide invaluable insights into the manner in

which contemporary global events, including the advent of the COVID-19, the resurgence

of populism and the movement of refugees, are influencing the evolution of IR theories.

This section is notable for its presentation of multiple theoretical perspectives, its

exploration of the relationship between theory and practice and its focus on current global

issues. In terms of the multiple theoretical perspectives, Andrew Linklater draws on

Norbert Elias’ analysis of the civilising process to discuss the ethical foundations of the

post-Westphalian era and the potential transformation of international society. This

enables him to highlight the complex relationship between normative ideals and power

dynamics (p. 154). From a realist perspective, Michael C. Williams reevaluates the

concept of security, emphasising the commonalities between classical realism and

constructivism (pp. 206–207). Andrew Moravcsik, from the perspective of liberal

intergovernmentalism, emphasises the success of the European Union (EU) and the

importance of economic interaction in international politics (pp. 157-158). Anssi Paasi’s

geographical perspective explores different interpretations of regionalism and the shift of

power from the West to the East (pp. 163, 165). The relationship between IR theories

and practical occurrences is clearly discernible in Katharyne Mitchell’s interview. Mitchell

addresses the rise of populism and its impact on both local and international politics,

integrating concepts of space, identity and neoliberal citizenship to derive more concrete

conclusions (p. 185). From a constructivist perspective, Knud Erik Jørgensen examines

the EU’s external relations and the future of multilateralism (pp. 191-192), while Nicholas

Onuf emphasises the importance of rules and rule-making processes, elucidating how

these processes shape the behaviour of states and other actors (pp. 213-214). In Peter

M. Haas’s interview, the role of epistemic communities in international politics and the

United States’ approach to environmental issues are discussed (p. 222). This section also

assesses the efficacy of IR theories in explaining contemporary global developments. Ira

William Zartman employs the concepts of hurting stalemates and ripe moments to

highlight the difficulties inherent in conflict resolution in a multipolar world (p. 175). In

his study of post-Soviet conflicts, Gerard Toal analyses Russia’s interventions in

neighbouring countries and the impact of these interventions on regional dynamics (p.

179). Joseph Nye, through the concept of soft power, examines the changing nature of

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 16, Nº. 1

May-October 2025, pp. 515-519

Tüfekçi, Özgür & Dağ, Rahman (Ed) (2022). Trends and Transformations in World Politics.

Lanham: Lexington Books, ISBN: 9781793650238

Fevzi Kirbaşoğlu

518

the United States’ influence in the international arena and the importance of

multilateralism (p. 183).

The conclusion chapter, the perspectives of IR theorists are presented, with a particular

focus on the transformation process of world politics and the inherent complexity of

international relations (p. 269). The chapter commences with Nardin’s argument

concerning the shortcomings of the discipline of IR, which is then followed by Weiss’s

analysis of the multipolar world system and the dynamics of power struggles (pp. 269–

270). At this point, Onuf underscores the significance of rules and institutions,

highlighting the shortcomings of capitalism and the rise in social unrest. Moravcsik’s

underestimation of the impact of populist movements is offset by Mitchell’s cautionary

note regarding the ascendance of such movements (pp. 271, 275). This is reinforced by

Linklater’s examination of normative domains and power relations, as well as Haggard’s

emphasis on institutional stability for economic development. In the subsequent analysis,

Sakwa presents an examination of China’s distinctive worldview and its cooperation with

other developing countries (p. 272). This is followed by a discussion by Zartman, Toal

and Jervis, who highlight the rise of political disorder and conflicts. Dalby’s environmental

security analysis emphasises the environmental impact of human-state relations, while

Paasi examines the relationships between borders, regions and identity (pp. 273-274).

The perspectives of Moravčik and Nye on the importance of interdependence and

multilateralism (p. 275) are reinforced by Jervis and Haggard’s analyses on nuclear

proliferation (pp. 276-277). Jørgensen and Haas’s evaluations of the role of international

institutions and epistemic communities in global governance (p. 277) expand the scope

of the study. In conclusion, Williams identifies the challenges facing the liberal

international order, while Onuf emphasises the need for alternative rules and institutions,

and Sakwa highlights the potential of alternative models of international politics (pp. 278-

279), thereby demonstrating the complex and multidimensional structure of

contemporary world politics.

Trends and Transformations in World Politics represents a noteworthy addition to the

field of IR, particularly in terms of its emphasis on contemporary political developments.

The book presents a more nuanced analysis of the post-Cold War world order than is

typically found in existing literature, offering a reconsideration of concepts such as the

multipolar world order and regionalism. It is noteworthy that the remainder of concepts,

including the second and multipolar Cold War and the age of regionalism (pp. 1, 29-42),

offer novel insights for understanding the changes in world politics. In this context, the

book can be situated within the existing literature on similar topics. To illustrate, a

comparison with Shannon L. Blanton and Charles W. Kegley’s World Politics: Trend and

Transformation: In their book, Blanton and Kegley provide a comprehensive examination

of traditional topics within the field of IR, including world politics, relations between great

powers, globalisation, human rights and the environment. However, Tüfekçi and Dağ

extend beyond a more analysis of the current state of IR, combining the insights of

numerous scholars to investigate prospective future developments and transformations.

This distinguishes their work from the static approach characteristic of the

aforementioned book. Furthermore, Trends and Transformations in World Politics is more

comprehensive than the traditional approaches found in other works such as The

Globalization of World Politics and The Global Transformation, which address the core

concepts and historical development of the IR discipline in a thorough manner. In

JANUS.NET, e-journal of International Relations

e-ISSN: 1647-7251

VOL 16, Nº. 1

May-October 2025, pp. 515-519

Tüfekçi, Özgür & Dağ, Rahman (Ed) (2022). Trends and Transformations in World Politics.

Lanham: Lexington Books, ISBN: 9781793650238

Fevzi Kirbaşoğlu

519

contrast, this book concentrates on contemporary developments and systemic

transformations. In addition, it examines the role of rising powers and the transition to

a multipolar world order, offering a global perspective that diverges from traditional

Western-centric approaches and filling gaps in the existing literature. In conclusion, the

section of the book that features the views of distinguished scholars in the field of IR

offers a distinctive perspective that synthesises theoretical discourse with contemporary

developments. This approach reflects an endeavour to bridge the gap between academic

literature and practical politics.

The analyses presented in the book are regarded as a valuable reference for

policymakers, academics and students. In particular, topics such as the revitalisation of

NATO, China’s geopolitical manoeuvres and Russia’s foreign policy have the potential to

significantly impact future policy decisions for those working in the fields of international

security and diplomacy.

Trends and Transformations in World Politics has the potential to become a significant

reference point for future research. In particular, areas such as the role of international

organisations in world politics and the impact of new technologies like cybersecurity and

artificial intelligence on international relations require further investigation. Furthermore,

a comprehensive examination of alternative IR theories, such as social constructivism,

critical theory and postcolonial approaches, in conjunction with the utilisation of empirical

data, can facilitate a more holistic understanding of the transformations in world politics.

References

Baylis, J., Smith, S., & Owens, P. (2023). The globalization of world politics: An

introduction to international relations. Oxford University Press.

Blanton, S. L., & Kegley, C. W. (2020). World politics: Trend and transformation (17th

ed.). Cengage Learning.

Buzan, B., & Lawson, G. (2015). The global transformation: History, modernity and the

making of international relations. Cambridge University Press.

How to cite this critical review

Kirbaşoğlu, Fevzi (2025). Tüfekçi, Özgür & Dağ, Rahman (Ed) (2022). Trends and Transformations

in World Politics. Lanham: Lexington Books, ISBN: 9781793650238. Janus.net, e-journal of

international relations. VOL. 16, Nº. 1, Maio-Outubro de 2025, pp. 515-519. DOI

https://doi.org/10.26619/1647-7251.16.01.1.