The evolution of international society : a comparative historical analysis
Adam Watson (Author)
In this uniquely comprehensive historical study, Adam Watson draws on a lifetime of research and diplomatic experience to explain how international societies function. He examines the systems of ancient states, from Sumer through India, China, Greece, Rome, and Islam, and conducts an in-depth analysis of the worldwide contemporary society which developed from them. The Evolution of International Society describes and compares the changing rules and practices of ancient systems, showing their development within a spectrum ranging from loose international societies of many independent states ordered by some degree of hegemony, to tighter imperial systems tempered by some measure of autonomy. The book demonstrates in convincing detail that political entities have usually co-existed, not in an anarchic state of nature, but organized by agreed rules and practices that derive substantially from past experience. The author also shows that our present international society, although distinct, is only the latest in a series. Lucidly and straightforwardly written, with a strong emphasis on practice, the book makes a major contribution to international theory and to our understanding of international relations
History
viii, 337 pages ; 24 cm
9780415069984, 9780415069991, 041506998X, 0415069998
24376938
INTRODUCTION
1. SCOPE AND DEFINITIONS
THE ANCIENT STATES SYSTEM. 2. SUMER
- 3. ASSYRIA
- 4. PERSIA
- 5. CLASSICAL GREECE
- 6. THE MACEDONIAN SYSTEM
- 7. INDIA
- 8. CHINA
- 9. ROME
- 10. THE BYZANTINE OIKOUMENE
- 11. THE ISLAMIC SYSTEM
- 12. THE ANCIENT STATES SYSTEMS
THE EUROPEAN INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY. 13. MEDIEVAL EUROPE
- 14. THE RENAISSANCE IN ITALY
- 15. THE RENAISSANCE IN EUROPE
- 16. THE HABSBURG BID FOR HEGEMONY
- 17. WESTPHALIA
- 18. THE AGE OF REASON AND OF BALANCE
- 19. EUROPEAN EXPANSION
- 20. THE NAPOLEONIC EMPIRE
- 21. COLLECTIVE HEGEMONY
THE GLOBAL INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY. 22. THE EUROPEAN SYSTEM BECOMES WORLDWIDE
- 23. THE COLLAPSE OF EUROPEAN DOMINATION
- 24. THE AGE OF THE SUPERPOWERS AND DECOLONIZATION
- 25. THE CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY
CONCLUSION
EPILOGUE: SOME INDICATIONS FOR THE FUTURE