During the years before the First World War, the realignment of world powers resulted in agreements concluded in 1904 and 1907 between Britain, France, Russia and Japan. John Albert White terms this a Quadruple Entente, a more accurate and complete description than the more commonly used Triple Entente, which omits Japan. His more inclusive view leaves undisturbed the conception of Europe as the centre of political gravity, but at the same time calls proper attention to the enhanced role which Japan had won through her victories in the Sino-Japanese and Russo-Japanese wars and by her careful management of her entry into the larger family of nations. This wider perspective on the crucial pre-war years shows how, in its political context as well as its geographical terrain and its general impact, the First World War was a world war in every sense.

"...White has injected a fresh element into the debate....[his] erudition is clear as he writes authoritatively about the policies and personalities of all the great powers, weaving them into an impressive, if complex, whole." The International History Review

"...this is a useful book in that it widens the nature of the discussion pre-1914 diplomacy....This is a book sure to generate discussion, and a worthy contribution to its field." Keith Neilson, H-Net Reviews

"This is certainly an outstanding addition to the literature on pre-World War I international history....enlightening and highly profitable." Richard Langhorne, American Historical Review