The League of Nations: Enduring Legacies of the First Experiment at World Organization / Edition 1

by M. Cottrell

Overview

The League of Nations occupies a fascinating yet paradoxical place in human history. Over time, it's come to symbolize both a path to peace and to war, a promising vision of world order and a utopian illusion, an artifact of a bygone era and a beacon for one that may still come. As the first experiment in world organization, the League played a pivotal, but often overlooked role in the creation of the United Nations and the modern architecture of global governance.

In contrast to conventional accounts, which chronicle the institution's successes and failures during the interwar period, Cottrell explores the enduring relevance of the League of Nations for the present and future of global politics. He asks: What are the legacies of the League experiment? How do they inform current debates on the health of global order and US leadership? Is there a "dark side" to these legacies?

Cottrell demonstrates how the League of Nations' soul continues to shape modern international relations, for better and for worse. Written in a manner accessible to students of international history, international relations and global politics, it will also be of interest to graduates and scholars.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138930889
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	09/07/2017
Series:	Global Institutions
Pages:	186
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

M. Patrick Cottrell is Associate Professor of Political Science at Linfield College in McMinnville, OR, USA. He is author of The Evolution and Legitimacy of International Security Institutions (2016) and numerous articles on topics ranging from global governance to international sport.

Table of Contents

Introduction Why study the League of Nations?; Chapter 1: The League of Nations experiment and the quest for world order; Chapter 2: The League of Nations in time; Chapter 3: Foil or foundation? From League of Nations to United Nations; Chapter 4: Lost in transition? The hidden influence of the League of Nations; Chapter 5: The soul of the League and the crisis of liberal order; Chapter 6: Revitalizing liberal order; Select Bibliography