In this, his most systematic and fundamental work, Hedley Bull explores three key questions: what is the nature of order in world politics?; how is it maintained in the contemporary state system?; and what alternative paths to world order are feasible and desirable? He argues that the system of sovereign states is not in decline and is not an obstacle to world order but its essential foundation. This third edition, marking the 25th anniversary of original publication, includes a substantial new foreword by Andrew Hurrell examining the continuing relevance of "The Anarchical Society" to subsequent developments in theory and in the structures and practices of world politics.

Table of Contents

Foreword to the Third Edition: The Anarchical Society 25 years on by Andrew Hurrell - Foreword to the Second Edited: Revisiting The Anarchical Society by Stanley Hoffmann - Preface - Introduction - PART 1: THE NATURE OF ORDER IN WORLD POLITICS - The Concept of Order in World Politics - Does Order Exist in World Politics? - How is Order Maintained in World Politics? - Order versus Justice in World Politics - PART 2: ORDER IN THE CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM - The Balance of Power and International Order - International Law and International Order - Diplomacy and International Order - War and International Order - The Great Powers and International Order - PART 3: ALTERNATIVE PATHS TO WORLD ORDER - Alternatives to the Contemporary States System - The Decline of the States System? - The Obsolescence of the States System? - The Reform of the States System? - Conclusion

Author Biography

HEDLEY BULL was Montague Burton Professor of International Relations, University of Oxford, until his untimely death in 1985. He had previously been Professor of International Relations, Australian National University. - STANLEY HOFFMAN is Dillon Professor of the Civilization of France, and Chairman of the Center for European Studies, Harvard University. - ANDREW HURRELL is Lecturer in International Relations and Fellow of Nuffield College, Oxford.