This is a lucid and well-structured text dealing with key issues in international affairs from the period of German unification to the aftermath of World War I. It: * Provides excellent explanation and analysis of the central issues * Clarifies a notoriously complex period of international history * Updates traditional books in this field of 19th and 20th century diplomatic/international history * Takes a thematic approach * Leads students through the main events and reviews recent trends in historical debate and scholarship * Includes an annotated bibliography Consideration of `the German problem' and `the Balkan problem' have taken on a new urgency and relevance with recent developments in Europe, and this book provides an excellent introduction to the subject.