ABSTRACT
Against the background of the generalities in the previous chapter we can now consider in more detail what restraints there were on the independence of the European states, and how much the steady erosion of those restraints contributed to the calamitous wars of the first half of this century. We can also look at alternative options for organizing the society of European states, and the growth of awareness that firmer limits to the freedom of action of states are necessary to avoid further disaster.
