A rich, uniquely well-sourced and deeply insightful analysis of global affairs that lays bare the potential risk of a third world war. A long period of peace and stable relations between the world's most powerful nations is coming to an end. Major wars have broken out in Europe and the Middle East, tensions are rising in East Asia, world leaders have spoken publicly about the possibility of a third world war, and intelligence agencies have never seen the world in a more dangerous and precarious state. Making use of Rachman's unique, unparalleled access to leaders in political and intelligence spheres around the globe and full of extremely well-informed and insightful analysis, WAR IS INTERESTED IN YOU explores how we got to this point in global affairs and, crucially, what happens next - in this case, the increasing risk of global conflict. As Leon Trotsky once put it - 'You may not be interested in war. But war is interested in you.'

Details

ISBN13: 9781847928993
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 336
Edition:
Publication Date: 27 Oct 2026
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Publication City, Country: London, United Kingdom
Dimensions (cm): 23.4(H)x15.4(L)x2.7(W)419
Weight (gm): 419

Author Biography

Gideon Rachman is the chief foreign affairs columnist for the Financial Times. He is the author of Zero-Sum World: Politics, Power and Prosperity after the Crash, Easternisation: War and Peace in the Asian Century and The Age of the Strongman: How the Cult of the Leader Threatens Democracy around the World. In 2016 he won the Orwell Prize for Journalism and was named Commentator of the Year at the European Press Prize awards. He also hosts the weekly podcast, The Rachman Review, which won international podcast of the year at the Political Podcast Awards in 2025.

Reviews

If there is one person you absolutely need to read on where the world is going, it is Gideon Rachman. War is Interested in You is an urgent, beautifully written and rather terrifying book which makes clear that war is ever with us, ineradicable, and about to turn nastier than ever. I could not recommend it more strongly -- Amol Rajan
Gideon Rachman is one the wisest, best-informed observers of our strange times. If he believes global order is breaking down, then listen to his warning -- Anne Applebaum, author of Autocracy Inc
Simply brilliant. A masterful blend of contemporary history, incisive analysis, and insightful conceptualization -- Serhii Plokhy, author of The Nuclear Age
Brilliant … Rachman’s deep historical knowledge, flair for analysis and keen eye for detail, as well as his encounters with key players at critical moments, create an absorbing narrative that could not be more important or timely -- Fiona Hill, author of There is Nothing for You Here
Full of insight from a journalist with superb access, Gideon Rachman is the best possible guide to today's unstable world -- Gordon Corera, author of The Spy in the Archive
War is Interested in You is both a geopolitical masterclass and a warning … Drawing on decades of reporting and extraordinary access, this is a clear-eyed guide to a world ever closer to the brink -- Edward Fishman, author of Chokepoints
Few have better access to the people who start wars – and those who try to stop them – than Gideon Rachman. War is Interested in You is a must read -- Ian Bremmer, author of The Power of Crisis
With his clear and informative style, Rachman paints a grim picture of a world controlled by all-powerful leaders operating with utter contempt for rules-based order. An important and fascinating book -- Caroline Moorehead, author of A Sicilian Man
Remarkable. A fast-paced, readable reminder that peace is not the natural condition of mankind -- Graham T. Allison, author of Destined for War
Richly reported ... lays bare quite how seriously leading policymakers rate the risk of a third world war * Jonathan Freedland *