Peace and stability between the world’s most powerful nations is coming to an end. How did we get here – and what happens next?

Wars have broken out in Europe and the Middle East, tensions are rising in East Asia, world leaders speak about the possibility of World War Three, and intelligence agencies have never seen the world in a more precarious state.

After the Cold War, the US dominated the global economy and international political system. But a weakening in Western power has opened the door for countries that want to challenge this global power structure; Russia, China, Iran and North Korea are all seeking to overturn the current order. And with Donald Trump in the White House, international politics is becoming ever more unpredictable and volatile.

As the FT’s chief foreign affairs commentator, Gideon Rachman had a ringside seat as these events developed. With unparalleled access to political and intelligence leaders, and full of sharp and insightful analysis, War is Interested in You explores how we got to this point in global affairs – and, crucially, what happens next.

As Trotsky once put it: ‘You may not be interested in war. But war is interested in you’.

‘Simply brilliant’ SERHII PLOKHY

‘Urgent, beautifully written … terrifying’ AMOL RAJAN

‘Rachman is one of the wisest observers of our strange times. Listen to him’ ANNE APPLEBAUM

© Gideon Rachman 2026 (P) Penguin Audio 2026