The two centuries that chronologically bind the topics in this volume span a period in which Europe was in its global ascendancy. The projection of imperial powers reflected the increasing centralization of states. The ability of state institutions to control and pay for the acquisition, protection and maintenance of empires could only be achieved when internal threats abated and centralized bureaucratic states emerged. Expansion, however, was not uniform, and the desire to export power was often limited by economic considerations and internal political and social conflict. Nevertheless, between 1618-1850 hegemonic empires were established and yet, the incidence of conflict between them declined in the years after 1815. This volume explores the various factors related to the projection and limitation of imperial powers in the western world. Contributors are Jeremy Black, Paul W. Schroeder, John A. Lynn, Dennis Showalter, Peter H. Wilson, Janet M. Hartley, Ciro Paoletti and Robert Epstein.