Overview

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.

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9780857845498

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Reviews

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 * The Guardian * This is the most important book written by the most original political thinker of the 20th century. -- Neal Ascherson, from the foreword

This is the most important book written by the most original political thinker of the 20th century. -- Neal Ascherson, from the foreword 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 * The Guardian *

Author Information

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.

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