The Structure of International Society: An Introduction to the Study of International Relations

This textbook covers the basic issues, concepts and debates of international relations. It tackles issues of internationalism from historical, sociological and economic perspectives. The volume includes historical analysis of the origins, development and early networks of international relations, as well as discussion of the definition and interpretation of modern international society. Both modern and pre-modern systems are explored in analysis that includes, amongst others, Chinese, Indian, Roman and Islamic systems, as well as the Italian city states, Vienna and Versailles. In the light of the recent increase of sovereign states and the geographical spread of the concept of sovereignty, the political and legal implications of sovereignty on internationalism are examined. This leads to an analysis of international political economy, and presents possibilities for the future transformation of international structures and systems.