This text serves as an advanced introduction to the field of international history. With contributions from a range of scholars, it maps the current terrain of the sub-discipline through essays that both appraise recent historiography and analyze theoretical, methodological and conceptual issues. The chapters are thematically focused and expansive in their geographical scope, doing full justice both to established core areas of concern and to innovative approaches. The topics covered are: diplomacy and decision-making; economics; strategy and warfare; ideology; intelligence; propaganda,...

Our understanding of the origins of the Second World War has been transformed in recent decades. The opening of the archives of the major combatant powers, together with the reorientation of international history itself away from a narrow preoccupation with diplomacy, have resulted in a more rounded conception of war, embracing also the study of economics, strategy, propaganda, and intelligence. This volume provides a clear and accessible guide to these changes, and to the current state of debate.