The Hierarchy of States: Reform and Resistance in the International Order

Description

Combining a detailed examination of theory with a full and up-to-date account of historical development, this study analyzes the nature of the international order--the hierarchical state system--and explores its potential for reform. The theoretical account is given tracing two traditions of thought in the writings of Kant and Rousseau, while the historical survey explores the evolution of international organizations since 1815, covering such aspects as concert diplomacy, alliance systems, international organizations, and such internal understandings as nuclear deterrence, crisis management, and sphere of influence. The Hierarchy of States succeeds and replaces Clark's Reform and Resistance in the International Order (CUP, 1980).

'This is an erudite well-written work.' Adam M. Garfinkle, Orbis 'This book combines a discussion of theoretical perspectives on the nature of international relations with an examination of international history since 1815. Neither of these ventures entails entering new and unexplored territory, but even the most experienced students of the modern international system will find in Clark's work some original perceptions and some interpretations that deviate sufficiently from conventional wisdom to induce reconsideration.' Inis L. Claude Jr, Political Science Quarterly