ABSTRACT
In the previous two chapters we have considered the work of historical sociologists who have incorporated a concept of the international system in their analyses. In both cases we found that the approach to analysing international systems was problematic. In Skocpol’s analysis of revolution, she claims to be employing a structural approach, including the international system. In her theoretical discussion, Skocpol proposed a model of the international system based on the relations between states and the effects of international capitalism. However, in her empirical work the international system was reduced to the presence or absence of warfare between states. Compared to Skocpol, Tilly provides little in the way of a theoretical discussion of the international system. However, his incorporation of the international system in his analysis did imply a holistic position, though the form of the international system did not appear to be consistent or thoroughly analysed. In contrast to Skocpol, Tilly has maintained the international system as a variable in his analyses.
