Neutrality in World History Themes in World History Series

Neutrality in World History provides a cogent synthesis of five hundred years of neutrality in global history. Author Leos Müller argues that neutrality and neutral states, such as Switzerland, Sweden and Belgium, have played an important historical role in implementing the free trade paradigm, shaping the laws of nations and humanitarianism, and serving as key global centres of trade and finance. Offering an intriguing alternative to dominant world history narratives, which hinge primarily on the international relations and policies of empires and global powers, Neutrality in World History provides students with a distinctive introduction to neutrality?s place in world history.

Chapter 1: Introduction: Why Neutrality?

Chapter 2: Birth of Maritime Neutrality: 1500–1650

Chapter 3: Neutrality at Sea: 1650–1815

Chapter 4: The Golden Age of Neutrality: 1814–1914

Chapter 5: Neutrality in Trouble: 1914–2016

Concluding Remarks: Neutrality in the Past, Present and Future

Leos Müller is Professor of History and Head of the Centre for Maritime Studies at Stockholm University.