This collection investigates the enduring historical debate surrounding the causes of the Second World War, specifically re-evaluating the controversial arguments first presented by A.J.P. Taylor in 1961. Edited by Gordon Martel, the text gathers contributions from prominent historians to assess how scholarship has evolved regarding the motivations of the Third Reich and the geopolitical tensions of the interwar period. The volume serves as a critical update to the historiographical landscape, providing a structured analysis of the diplomatic and military failures that led to global conflict.

Historians and students of international relations frequently cite this collection as a vital resource for understanding the evolution of 20th-century diplomatic history. The text is recognized for its academic rigor and its ability to synthesize complex, multi-faceted arguments into a coherent scholarly framework.