Explains how international societies function across time. This book examines the ancient state systems and looks at the worldwide international society. It demonstrates that relations between states are not normally anarchic, but organized and regulated by elaborate rules and practices, which derive substantially from experience.
This uniquely comprehensive study explains how international societies function across time, starting by examining the ancient state systems before turning to look in detail at the current worldwide international society. In this reissue, a new introduction by Barry Buzan and Richard Little contextualises Watson's original work, situates it alongside current work in the area and summarises and analyses Watson's key arguments.
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
