(ACADEMIC PAPERBACK DESCRIPTION) Long one of the fieldOs most distinguished thinkers, Hoffmann brings together in this volume his important recent work on international politics. Many published here for the first time, these essays offer incisive reflections upon the reemergence of nationalism and ethnic conflicts in Europe, the redefined role of military intervention, and other uncertainties brought on by the demise of the Cold War. New to this edition is a current analysis of the Kosovo conflict. Woven throughout are his clear-eyed assessments of contending approaches to the study of international relations. (LONG TRADE CLOTH) Stanley Hoffmann has remarked that OIt wasnOt I who chose to study world politics. World politics forced themselves upon me.O A rootless child of World War II; Austrian, French, and later American, he has always maintained a unique balance and perspective on global affairs. Long one of the fieldOs most distinguished thinkers, Hoffmann brings together in this volume his important recent work on international politics. Many published here for the first time, these essays offer incisive reflections upon the reemergence of nationalism and ethnic conflicts in Europe, the redefined role of military intervention, and other uncertainties brought on by the demise of the Cold War. Hoffmann weighs the influence on theory and policy of such disparate figures as John Rawls, Hedley Bull, and George Schultz. Woven throughout are his clear-eyed assessments of contending approaches to the study of international relations.

"Nuanced meditations on the nature of world politics in the post–Cold War era. . . . [Hoffmann is] unfailingly insightful and compassionate, attributes often missing in the discipline of political science. Overall, he has two concerns here: to examine the state of current international relations, to critique the methods and approaches used to understand these relations. . . . Sophisticated and provocative, Hoffmann's writing gives the reader much to consider." - Kirkus

"This collection of remarkable essays addresses the great complexities of post-Cold War world politics. . . . [Hoffmann] is at his best in illuminating the shaky foundations of modern world politics and underscoring the limitations of the theoretical and policy constructs in vogue today." - Foreign Affairs

"The essays make the case for an ambitious agenda: to focus state craft on the problems of governance for the future." - Foreign Affairs

"For those who like their analyses well written, this is an excellent book. Stanley Hoffmann is revealed in these essays as a nuanced and refined realist thinker who is concerned to provide 'some small steps to world order', on the basis both of a healthy scepticism and prerequisite optimism. What this book provides is an urbane and coherent sense of an interpretation of the nature of the problems of world politics infused with the experience of a lifetime of analysis and an interesting mix of acerbic wit and compassionate humour." - International Affairs

"Hoffmann lucidly points out the limits of Realism, the shortcomings of international Liberalism, and above all challenges the views of those who try to make a science of politics." - Political Studies Review

"Stanley Hoffmann, a well-respected professor of world politics at Harvard University, has been among the more outspoken and articulate commentators on the condition of the post-Cold War era. In this well-written volume he seeks both to describe the post-Cold War world and to prescribe ways in which to make it a better place for humanity." - Journal of Strategic Studies

"The book is a collection of essays written by one of the most distinguished scholars of international affairs throughout the 1990s. Hoffmann addresses, as usual, the important themes in world politics." - Political Studies Association