The Second World War, and especially its origins, continue to dominate undergraduate syllabi. This volume of original essays by international experts covers all aspects of the field to provide a tightly edited textbook which, in its coverage and content, is ideal for students, scholars and general readers. The collection is divided into two parts: part one explores the role of the revisionist Powers, the status quo Powers and the small states, while part two examines key themes, including diplomacy, intelligence, ideology, armaments, propaganda and economics.

In the aftermath of the First World War British politics were subordinated to the goal of reconstructing a multilateral trade and payments system. This decision must be understood as the result of the peculiar structure of British capitalism wherein mercantile and financial activity rather than manufacturing industry provided the core of wealth of the dominant community. For a decade, Britain made a signal contribution to the restoration of multilateralism. With the world at a turning-point in 1928, British policy remained committed to reform through multilateral action, particularly once the...