Cover Image: Climate Change and the Nation State

Climate Change and the Nation State

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Member Reviews

"Climate Change and the Nation State" by Anatol Lieven is a timely and crucial exploration of the profound challenges posed by climate change. In a world grappling with overwhelming transformation, Lieven argues that the greatest threat faced by the world's great powers is not each other but the urgent crisis of climate change.

Lieven provides a much-needed frame to comprehend our response to climate change, drawing parallels with historical challenges such as the industrial revolution, major wars, and mass migration. The book contends that, like previous generations, we must confront the unwanted and unpalatable realities of our time.

Through incisive and compelling interventions, Lieven asserts that the nation state is the crucial building block in addressing the climate emergency. Rather than relying on vague globalism, Lieven emphasizes the role of maintaining social cohesion and utilizing existing governmental, fiscal, and military structures to undertake the drastic actions required for change.

"Climate Change and the Nation State" is a thought-provoking work that challenges prevailing notions, sparking numerous discussions about the necessary measures to combat climate change and the pivotal role of nation states in this endeavor. Lieven's insights offer a valuable perspective on how societies can navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world.

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Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

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I didn't enjoy this book. I found it messy and difficult to engage with, and the undercurrent of nationalism was concerning. There was very little exploration of climate change outside of the US (such as the Paris agreement) and it just felt very incomplete. It is clear the author didn't do enough research.

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