Dr Burton argues that it is misleading to consider world society as comprising states as separate entities: states comprise clusters of systems, many of which cut across state boundaries. He argues that a systems approach makes possible an analysis of the relations of systems to states, of conflict between systems and states, and amongst states, and generally more insights into the nature of world society. He is critical of the old-fashioned art of diplomacy and suggests the basis of a science of diplomacy. Originally published in 1968, this book was intended to relate theoretical approaches in International Relations with the practice of diplomacy, and especially with the avoidance and resolution of conflict. In the last part of the book the author suggests guidelines which diplomats might find useful, and which might also improve the general understanding of world society.