Hugo Grotius (1583-1645), "the miracle of Holland," was famous as a child prodigy, theologian, historian, Dutch political figure, escaped political prisoner, and finally as Sweden's Ambassador to France. Addressing his contribution to international relations, this book critically reappraises Grotius' thought, comparing it to his predecessors and examining it in the context of the wars and controversies of his time. The collection illuminates enduring problems of international relations: the nature of international society and its institutions, the equality of states, restraints in war,...

Hedley Bull was one of the most important figures in the academic study of international relations. Although his work ranged widely, one simple but powerful idea constantly recurs: that sovereign states form among themselves a society and that this society must be understood on its own terms. The end of the Cold War and developments within international relations theory have once again thrown the social dimension of world politics into sharp relief. Although many have read Hedley Bull's The Anarchical Society, few are familiar with the breadth and range of his writing. This collection brings...

In this fundamental text, Hedley Bull explores three key questions: What is the nature of order in world politics? How is it maintained within the contemporary states system? And do desirable and feasible alternatives to the states system exist? Contrary to common claims, Bull asserts that the sovereign states system is not in decline. Rather, it persists and thrives, as it is essential to maintaining an international world order.

More than three decades after its publication, Bull's classic work continues to define and direct research in international relations. In this thirty-fifth...