The Quest for World Order: Perspectives of a Pragmatic Idealist is a collection of speeches and writings by Professor Tommy Koh, one of the most distinguished diplomats and statesmen of our time. Tommy Koh was, among other things, Singapore’s long-time ambassador to the UN and played a key role in global negotiations on the Law of the Sea and on the environment. The collection provides an insider’s view of the workings and failings of the UN system, and suggests practical measures for reforming the global body. It offers firsthand insights into the techniques and intricacies of multilateral negotiations, bargaining and problem-solving. It also contains his thoughts on Singapore’s economic progress and foreign policy options. Readers will find in this volume his assessment of some of the key issues and challenges facing the Asia Pacific region, such as co-operation and conflict in Asia’s relations with the US and Europe, prospects for regional co-operation in Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific, and the role of culture, values, and governance in shaping Asia’s place in the new world order. Written in simple and elegant prose, accessible to the general reader, policy-maker and the academic specialist alike, the book is intended for those interested in international organizations, law and diplomacy, as well as Asian political, economic and strategic affairs. The foreword to the book is written by Kofi Annan, the Secretary-General of the United Nations.

Koh, Tommy T B. 1998. The Quest for World Order: Perspectives of a Pragmatic Idealist. ed. Amitav Acharya. Singapore: Times Academic Press for IPS.

(416 pages, ISBN 981 210 108 X)