Origins of the Modern European State System, 1494-1618

Study Overview

This study examines the early years of the post-medieval European states and the growth of a recognisably "modern" system for handling their international relations.

Focus on European Powers

M S Anderson gives much of his space to France, Spain, and England and to the state of the relations between them, as their various power plays rolled over Italy and the Low countries, but, he also incorporates the Northern and Eastern states including Russia, Poland, and the Baltic world into the main European political arena.

Historical Narrative and Topics

He provides a broad narrative of European politics and its impact on diplomacy including the Italian Wars 1494-1559, the French Wars of Religion, the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, and the relations of Christendom and Islam with the advance of the Ottoman empire.

Additional Factors

He also gives considerable attention to the influence of military and economic factors on international relations.