
The Breakdown of Nations
Leopold Kohr(Author)
Green Books (Publisher)
Published on 1. October 2020
Book
Paperback/Softback
256 pages
978-0-85784-549-8 (ISBN)
Description
A fascinating manifesto, proposing that the world should be split into smaller regions to distribute power more evenly.
Written by one of the most original political thinkers of the 20th century, in The Breakdown of Nations, Leopold Kohr shows that throughout history people living in small states are happier, more peaceful, more creative and more prosperous. He argues that virtually all our political and social problems would be greatly diminished if the world's major countries were to dissolve back into the small states from which they sprang. Rather than making even larger political unions, in the mistaken belief that this will bring peace and security, we should minimise the aggregation of power by returning to a patchwork of small, relatively powerless states where leaders are accessible to and responsive to the people.
Originally published in 1957, this new edition features forewords by Neal Ascherson and Richard Body. The material has been noted for its striking relevance to the current political situation, with globalisation, war, nuclear weapons and the rise of electronic gadgets leading to concern over whether we should re-examine the implications of the size of political groupings, whether they be states, nations or federations.
In these turbulent times, recognise the beauty and potential in small political nations with this inspiring read.
Written by one of the most original political thinkers of the 20th century, in The Breakdown of Nations, Leopold Kohr shows that throughout history people living in small states are happier, more peaceful, more creative and more prosperous. He argues that virtually all our political and social problems would be greatly diminished if the world's major countries were to dissolve back into the small states from which they sprang. Rather than making even larger political unions, in the mistaken belief that this will bring peace and security, we should minimise the aggregation of power by returning to a patchwork of small, relatively powerless states where leaders are accessible to and responsive to the people.
Originally published in 1957, this new edition features forewords by Neal Ascherson and Richard Body. The material has been noted for its striking relevance to the current political situation, with globalisation, war, nuclear weapons and the rise of electronic gadgets leading to concern over whether we should re-examine the implications of the size of political groupings, whether they be states, nations or federations.
In these turbulent times, recognise the beauty and potential in small political nations with this inspiring read.
Reviews / Votes
We have now reached the point Kohr warned about... the point where 'instead of growth serving life, life must now serve growth, perverting the very purpose of existence'. Kohr's crisis of bigness is upon us * Paul Kingsnorth, The Guardian * This is the most important book written by the most original political thinker of the 20th century. * Neal Ascherson, from the foreword *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
maps
Dimensions
Height: 233 mm
Width: 161 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
Weight
401 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-85784-549-8 (9780857845498)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Previous edition

Leopold Kohr
The Breakdown of Nations
Book
10/2016
Green Books
€32.37
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Leopold Kohr, an economist by profession, was the originator of the concept of 'the human scale', an idea later popularised by his friend, E. F. Schumacher in his bestselling book Small is Beautiful. Born near Salzberg in 1909, Kohr held academic positions at many universities.
Content
Acknowledgements
Preface to the 1986 Edition
Foreword by Neal Ascherson
Foreword by Richard Body
Introduction
The Philosophies of Misery
The Power Theory of Aggression
Disunion Now
Tyranny in a Small-State World
The Physics of Politics: The Philosophic Argument
Individual and Average Man: The Political Argument
The Glory of the Small: The Cultural Argument
The Efficiency of the Small: The Economic Argument
Union Through Division: The Administrative Argument
The Elimination of Great Powers: Can It Be Done?
But Will It Be Done?
The American Empire
Appendices: The Principle of Federation Presented in Maps
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
Preface to the 1986 Edition
Foreword by Neal Ascherson
Foreword by Richard Body
Introduction
The Philosophies of Misery
The Power Theory of Aggression
Disunion Now
Tyranny in a Small-State World
The Physics of Politics: The Philosophic Argument
Individual and Average Man: The Political Argument
The Glory of the Small: The Cultural Argument
The Efficiency of the Small: The Economic Argument
Union Through Division: The Administrative Argument
The Elimination of Great Powers: Can It Be Done?
But Will It Be Done?
The American Empire
Appendices: The Principle of Federation Presented in Maps
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index