Challenging standard interpretations of American dominance and French weakness in postwar Western Europe, Michael Creswell argues that France played a key role in shaping the cold war order. In the decade after the war, the U.S. government's primary objective was to rearm the Federal Republic of Germany within the framework of a European defense force--the European Defense Community. American and French officials differed, however, over the composition of the EDC and the rules governing its organization and use. Although U.S. pressure played a part, more decisive factors--in both internal French politics and international French concerns--ultimately led France to sanction the plan to rearm West Germany. Creswell sketches the successful French challenge to the United States, tracing the genuine, sometimes heated, debate between the two nations that ultimately resulted in security arrangements preferred by the French but acceptable to the Americans. Impressively researched and vigorously argued, A Question of Balance advances significantly our understanding of power politics and the rise of the cold war system in Western Europe.

New approaches to understanding war and peace in the changing international system. What causes war? How can wars be prevented? Scholars and policymakers have sought the answers to these questions for centuries. Although wars continue to occur, recent scholarship has made progress toward developing more sophisticated and perhaps more useful theories on the causes and prevention of war. This volume includes essays by leading scholars on contemporary approaches to understanding war and peace. The essays include expositions, analyses, and critiques of some of the more prominent and enduring explanations of war. Several authors discuss realist theories of war, which focus on the distribution of power and the potential for offensive war. Others examine the prominent hypothesis that the spread of democracy will usher in an era of peace. In light of the apparent increase in nationalism and ethnic conflict, several authors present hypotheses on how nationalism causes war and how such wars can be controlled. Contributors also engage in a vigorous debate on whether international institutions can promote peace. In a section on war and peace in the changing international system, several authors consider whether rising levels of international economic independence and environmental scarcity will influence the likelihood of war.

In 'The Long Nineteenth Century: A History of Europe from 1789 to 1918', Charles Downer Hazen provides a comprehensive analysis of the political, social, and cultural developments of Europe over this tumultuous period. Hazen's book is characterized by its insightful examination of key events such as the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the rise of nationalism, all of which shaped the modern world. The author's clear and engaging writing style makes this complex history accessible to readers, while also offering a scholarly perspective on the subject matter within the literary context of the time. Charles Downer Hazen, a renowned historian and professor, drew from his deep knowledge of European history to craft this authoritative account. His expertise in the field is evident throughout the book, as he weaves together disparate threads to create a cohesive narrative that captures the essence of the era. I highly recommend 'The Long Nineteenth Century' to anyone interested in understanding the intricacies of European history during this transformative period. Hazen's meticulous research and compelling storytelling make this book a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone seeking a deeper insight into the forces that shaped Europe in the 19th century.