Evolution of International Society

Adam Watson was a diplomat and historian, and formerly Professor of International Relations at the University of Virginia. His publications include The Limits of Independence (1997) and Diplomacy: the Dialogue between States (1982).Barry Buzan is a Professor in the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. His publications include From International to World Society? English School Theory and the Social Structure of Globalization (2004) and The United States and the Great Powers: World Politics in the Twenty-First Century (2004).Richard Little is Professor of International Politics at Bristol University. His publications include Perspectives on World Politics (2005) and, with Barry Buzan, International Systems in World History: Remaking the Study of International Relations (2000).

Overall, this is the most important book on international politics of our decade, and perhaps of our generation. It is extraordinary in its range -- both historical and analytical. No other work evaluates with comparable range and clarity the defining characteristics of so many international systems. No other work is as imaginative in its analytic framework. It carries us far beyond the narrow limitations of analyses that equate the independence end of the spectrum of political reality with that reality itself. Adam Watson's book provides the foundation for a new and creative era in international political analysis. All significant work in the future in our field must take into account his insights. - Whittle Johnson, University of Virginia`This is a real feast of a book. ... a landmark book. It is clear enough to be used as a teaching text, and could make an excellent introduction to the discipline for those courageous enough to revise their courses.' - International Affairs`... international historians will find it and interesting and stimulating survey. ... Watson's book must be seen as and important step towards a more sophisticated international theory.' - History`This is a landmark book. It is clear enough to be used as a teaching text, and could make and excellent introduction to the discipline for those courageous enough to revise their courses.'`This is a bold, successful and valuable book...It is written with admirable clarity and merciful conciseness.' - International Relations

• New Introduction. Barry Buzan and Richard Little 1. Scope and Definitions The Ancient State Systems 2. Sumer 3. Assyria 4. Persia 5. Classical Greece 6. The Macedonian System 7. India 8. China 9. Rome 10. The Byzantine Oikumene 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 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 and Epilogue.