J. A. Hobson was an important liberal writer on international relations, most famous for his theory of imperialism. In the first comprehensive analysis of Hobson's writings on international relations David Long examines the philosophical outlook and political economy that inform Hobson's thinking. Setting out the sources of and contradictions within Hobson's proposals for international government, this book is a contribution not only to the study of international relations, but also to the history of political thought and British liberalism.