As relevant today as it was in 1939. This book should be read by any serious student of international relations, or politics more generally. Carr uses history of political thought to derive an understanding of how politics, power, and morality interplay to create reality among states. As the subject of the book implies, it is an intense read--expect to spend time sifting through the text to understand Carr fully. I've read this book twice founding greater depth each time and new meaning both times. I suspect a third read will produce similar results. ( )