Ian Clark is concerned with the nature of international order since 1815, in terms of both ideas and practices, and is especially interested in the possibilities and problems for reform of that order He establishes two intellectual traditions, reflected in the writings of Kant and Rousseau respectively, which constitute the core of the arguments for reform of the international order or, alternatively, for resistance to change.

By analysing the theoretical arguments of the optimists who favour reform, and of the pessimists who oppose it, the book. attempts to introduce students to some of the central issues of international politics, to set out the perplexing normative ques tions raised by present world political arrangements and to place current debates about future international political trends in their proper historical perspective

The basic norms adhered to by statesmen in the conduct of international affairs have tended to derive from balance-of-power principles and various attempts to more beyond 'balance' norms. to Concert norms have not been successful. In this respect, 1980 represents the completion of a full circle since 1815

The approach of the book reflects a traditionalist persuasion. It is based on the twin assumptions that the study of inter national politics needs to be more fully integrated into the realm of political philosophy and that an understanding of current international practices can be enhanced by viewing them in the context of the historical evolution of the international system.