Betrayal charts the dramatic collapse of the post-1945 international system. Ours is now a world in which Trump's America has endorsed Putin's land-grab in Ukraine, painted Europe as an enemy, and toppled and kidnapped Venezuela's president Nicolás Maduro. Meanwhile, an anti-western alliance has taken shape featuring China, Russia, Iran and North Korea. Countries find themselves in an uncertain and dangerous era. It is a return to nineteenth century imperialism and spheres of influence - but with withering modern firepower.

Written in thrilling style, this vital and clear-eyed book reports from the frontlines of a new age of conquest. Luke Harding visits villages in eastern Ukraine under Russian bombardment, talks to Greenlanders about a US takeover, tours the divided Korean peninsula and sits down with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Betrayal tells the story of presidents and ordinary people, caught up in conflict and war. Harding offers an essential guide to brutal Great Power politics and how it came back.