In the Fourth Year: Anticipations of a World Peace is a non-fiction book written by the British author H.G. Wells, first published in May 1918. The work is a collection of essays and articles that examine the political climate of the late stages of World War I and propose a framework for a sustainable international peace.
The primary focus of the book is the advocacy for the establishment of a "League of Free Nations," a precursor concept to the League of Nations. Wells argues that the scale and destruction of modern industrial warfare rendered traditional diplomacy and isolated nationalism obsolete. He posits that a permanent international organization is necessary to adjudicate disputes between states, manage global resources, and prevent future conflicts.
The text explores several key themes, including:
- The League of Nations: Wells discusses the structure and necessity of an international body, emphasizing that it must be more than a mere treaty-based alliance and should involve a degree of international law and collective security.
- Democracy and Diplomacy: The author critiques "secret diplomacy" and argues that for a league to be successful, it must be supported by democratic transparency and the will of the people rather than just the interests of ruling elites.
- The Future of Monarchy: Wells analyzes the role of monarchies in Europe, suggesting that the post-war era would likely see a shift toward republicanism or more strictly constitutional forms of government.
- International Cooperation: The book outlines the need for global cooperation in areas such as labor standards and the administration of colonial territories.
Historically, In the Fourth Year is noted for its contribution to the intellectual discourse that led to the formation of the League of Nations in 1920. It reflects Wells's broader philosophical commitment to the idea of a "World State" and his belief in the application of rational planning to human affairs. The work was published by Chatto & Windus in the United Kingdom and George H. Doran Company in the United States.