In this important study David Armstrong examines the impact of revolutionary states on the international system. These states have always posed major problems for the achievement of world order: revolution is often accompanied by international as well as civil conflict, while revolutionary doctrines have proven to be highly disruptive of the existing structure of international politics. Dr Armstrong asks whether revolutionary states are 'socialized' into adopting acceptable patterns of international behaviour or whether it is international society that is forced to change when these new states appear. He looks in detail at the French, American, and Russian revolutions and at several post-1945 revolutionary states; he also examines the relationship between revolutionary states and the principal ordering devices of international society: international law, diplomacy, and the balance of power. His book is a major contribution to international relations and an important development and application of the 'international society' concept.
In this important study David Armstrong examines the impact of revolutionary states on the international system. These states have always posed major problems for the achievement of world order: revolution is often accompanied by international as well as civil conflict, while revolutionary doctrines have proven to be highly disruptive of the existing structure of international politics. Dr Armstrong asks whether revolutionary states are 'socialized' into adopting acceptable patterns of international behaviour or whether it is international society that is forced to change when these new states appear. He looks in detail at the French, American, and Russian revolutions and at several post-1945 revolutionary states; he also examines the relationship between revolutionary states and the principal ordering devices of international society: international law, diplomacy, and the balance of power. His book is a major contribution to international relations and an important development and application of the 'international society' concept.
The Westphalian conception of international society; state and people - the American Revolution; state and nation - the French Revolution; state and class - the Russian Revolution; the revolt against the West and international society; norms, rules and laws; diplomacy; statecraft and the balance of power.
`Well researched and valuable accounts ... much of considerable
value.'
Times Higher Education Supplement
`David Armstrong's book is a masterly examination of three key
issues ... With a wealth of quotation and historical detail,
Armstrong demonstrates that there is a logic and a common pattern
in revolutionary perceptions of the international system ... What
is more original in Armstrong's analysis is his sensitive
exploration of how some residue of the original creed continues to
play a part in the world-view of once-revolutionary states ... this
book is
striking for its admirably rich and varied haul of quotations ...
not only the best book on its particular subject, but also makes a
notable contribution to the understanding of international
relations
generally ... He has illuminated it superbly, and in so doing has
added a dynamic element to the notion of the anarchical
society.'
Diplomacy and Society
'David Armstrong's scholarship and industry have come to the
rescue; his book contains such a wealth of carefully drawn up
material, shedding light on a wide cross-section of opinion as it
unfolds, that even those students chronically unsure of themselves
should be able to acquit themselves satisfactorily.'
Susan Walker, Royal United Services Institute for Defence Studies,
London, International Affairs, Vol. 70, No. 1, January 1994
`an enormously valuable ideological study of Westphalian
`international society' ... His analysis is rich and instructive
... Only the staunchest neo-realist, in the end, will fail to learn
from this study'
International Journal
`This is a perceptive, lucid and long overdue contribution to the
literature.'
Political Studies
`The material in this book should be of great interest to students
of international politics who want to know more about the possible
effects of global social norms on state behaviour.'
International History Review
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