Book Review - The Transition of Global Order: Legitimacy and Contestation

Abstract

The competition for status between states and the contestation over the fundamental principles of the global order may seem like such well-covered ground in the International Relations literature that there is little left to be said on the topic. Yet Maximilian Terhalle has resolutely contradicted such complacency with this terrific book. By looking specifically at the issue of constitutive legitimacy and how this is negotiated between the major powers, Terhalle has managed to shed new light on how the emerging US–Sino relationship is being translated into a major transition in the global order.