This work explores a new way for students of international relations to look at war, peace and world orders throughout European history. The contributors argue that the predominant realist paradigm that focuses on states and their self-interest is not applicable to the largest period of European history because states either did not exist or were only in the making. Instead, they argue, we have to look through the eyes of historical identities to see how they understood the world in which they lived.

This work explores a new way for students of international relations to look at war, peace and world orders throughout European history. The contributors argue that the predominant realist paradigm that focuses on states and their self-interest is not applicable to the largest period of European history because states either did not exist or were only in the making. Instead, they argue, we have to look through the eyes of historical identities to see how they understood the world in which they lived.