Examining the impact of revolutionary states on the international system, this book asks to what extent they become "socialized" into adopting patterns of international behaviour, and whether international society itself changes in response to new pressure arising from revolutionary states.

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