The Balance of Power : The System of International Relations, 1648–1815

This book examines on an analytical basis the system of international relations between 1648 and 1815. It considers the character of the states, their principal foreign policy goals and the beliefs that influences their relations. The author seeks on this basis to examine the character of the system as a whole: in particular how from the proclaimed desire to maintain the 'balance of power' it succeeded in establishing international stability in preventing the domination of particular states. Front Matter....Pages i-xvi The Idea of the Balance....Pages 1-29 The States....Pages 30-56 The Shifting Balance....Pages 57-99 Sovereignty....Pages 100-128 Status....Pages 129-148 Succession....Pages 149-173 Territory....Pages 174-203 Trade....Pages 204-225 Colonies....Pages 226-255 Alliances....Pages 256-280 Institutions....Pages 281-304 Rules....Pages 305-330 Conclusions: The Nature of the System....Pages 331-353 Back Matter....Pages 354-399