International Relations Studies Series, 6 (International Studies Library, 14) Since the publication in 1995 of the first Dutch language edition of Dutch Foreign Policy, the book has become a standard work about Dutch foreign policy. Both the first and later editions of the book have been commended for their ordered clarity. The work describes the fortunes of a power that, in spite of its limited size, was able to...

International Relations Studies Series, 6 (International Studies Library, 14) Since the publication in 1995 of the first Dutch language edition of Dutch Foreign Policy, the book has become a standard work about Dutch foreign policy. Both the first and later editions of the book have been commended for their ordered clarity. The work describes the fortunes of a power that, in spite of its limited size, was able to maintain its role as a centre of trade and colonial power up to the Second World War by exercising a policy of caution and free trade. After the war and a difficult process of de-colonialism, the Netherlands joined NATO. It became one of the founding fathers of European integration. To this day, the Netherlands is a state which plays an important role on the world's stage, actively participates in peace missions and relatively speaking, spends a great deal on foreign aid. Table of Contents Foreword 1 The rise and fall of a Great Power - From the sixteenth to the end of the nineteenth century 2 Decades of crisis and war - From the late nineteenth century to 1940 3 Impasse - The years 1940-1948 4 Change of direction - The years 1948-1952 5 Frustration and renewal - The years 1952-1963 6 Heyday of Atlanticism - The years 1960-1971 7 Change and continuity - The years 1971-1977 8 Consolidation and conservatism - The years 1977-1989 9 Hesitant reorientation - The years 1989-1998 10 Fading perspectives - The years after 1998 Epilogue