Building World Order Paperback – March 5, 2025

In an age of turmoil-marked by war in Gaza and Ukraine, rising authoritarianism, and deepening global divides-what can Christianity offer to the renewal of a humane world order? Celebrated Christian Realist Amstutz argues that Christian moral principles-rooted in human dignity, justice, and the common good-can help reimagine international relations for the twenty-first century. After outlining the key features of both the modern nation-state and the global system it inhabits, he demonstrates how Christian ethics can shape more just and compassionate responses to three of today's defining global challenges: migration, development, and climate change. At a moment when the liberal, rules-based order born after World War II faces unprecedented stress, Christian Values and the Future of Global Order asks pressing questions: Can fragile states be strengthened rather than abandoned? Can the international system be renewed without eroding national sovereignty? And can a faith-inspired vision of human rights and solidarity help counter the rise of cynical realpolitik? Amstutz contends that the path to global peace and prosperity does not lie in utopian dreams of world government but in revitalizing the moral and institutional foundations of the sovereign state. Strengthening weak and failing states, expanding constitutional democracy, and deepening international cooperation are, he argues, essential steps toward a more stable world. Grounded in both political realism and Christian theology, this book offers a fresh moral framework for addressing global disorder. By integrating faith with rigorous analysis, Amstutz shows how Christian values can illuminate the moral dimensions of world politics and inspire action toward peace, justice, and the common good. Read more