E. H. Carr's classic work on international relations, published in 1939, was immediately recognized by friend and foe alike as a defining work. The author was one of the most influential and controversial intellectuals of the 20th century. The issues and themes he developed continue to have relevance to modern day concerns with power and its distribution in the international system. Michael Cox's critical introduction provides the reader with background information about the author, the context for the book, and its main themes and contemporary relevance.

Acknowledgements p. vii
Introduction p. ix
A Brief Guide to the Writings of E. H. Carr p. lix
A Guide to the Secondary Literature on E. H. Carr p. lxiv
From the First to the Second Editions of The Twenty Years' Crisis: A Case of Self-censorship? p. lxxii
Glossary of Names p. lxxxiii
Chronology p. xciv
Preface to the 1981 Printing p. ciii
Preface to Second Edition p. cv
Preface to First Edition p. cvii
The Science of International Politics 
The Beginning of a Science p. 3
Utopia and Reality p. 12
The International Crisis 
The Utopian Background p. 25
The Harmony of Interests p. 42
The Realist Critique p. 62
The Limitations of Realism p. 84
Politics, Power and Morality 
The Nature of Politics p. 91
Power in International Politics p. 97
Military Power p. 102
Economic Power p. 105
Power over Opinion p. 120
Morality in International Politics p. 135
Laws and Change 
The Foundations of Law p. 159
The Sanctity of Treaties p. 168
The Judicial Settlement of International Disputes p. 178
Peaceful Change p. 191
Conclusion 
The Prospects of a New International Order p. 209
Index p. 221