The character of this book was determined by the fact that it was originally commissioned by the Italian publisher Laterza & Figli as one of a series of small volumes, each of which would provide an introduction to a different field of study. Thus, the limits of the sub­ ject matter were set by the fact that other volumes in the series - Libri de/ Tempo Laterza - would deal with related topics or periods: in this case there were to be volumes on imperialism and on colonial­ ism after 1945. The common format of the series required a general introductory essay of the type characteristic of a large encyclopedia; a more specialized essay on some major aspect of the subject; a criti­ cal bibliography and a short chronology.