'Wereldvrede' Summary

In the aftermath of his father's death, Crown Prince Othomar becomes Emperor Othomar XII. As he rules, he champions the establishment of international courts, hoping to usher in an era of world peace. However, the book paints a stark picture of the precarious state of international relations, with fears of a devastating war looming large. The narrative explores the tensions between nations, the machinations of power, and the ambitions of individuals seeking to maintain their influence. As the story unfolds, we see the complex web of political alliances and rivalries that threaten to unravel the fragile peace. Couperus uses the fictional framework of a powerful European empire to critique the realities of international politics and to highlight the challenges of forging lasting peace in a world rife with competing interests.