Includes bibliographical references.

The setting: Rome as mistress of Italy: Rome on the brink of expansion, by A. J. Toynbee.--War with Carthage; calculation or accident? Defensive imperialism, by H. H. Scullard. Roman war guilt, by J. H. Thiel. An accidental war, by M. Cary.--Expansion into the Greek world; philhellenism or self-defense? Philhellenism, by T. Mommsen. Preventive warfare, by M. Holleaux. A logical development, by E. Badian.--Roman brutality in Spain; is it explicable? Reaction to Spanish treachery, by T. Frank. Roman cruelty and extortion, by A. Schulten. Foreign policy dictated by structure of government and character of generals, by A. E. Astin.--Annexation of Africa; fear of Numidia or Carthage? Prevention of Numidian expansion, by B. L. Hallward. Fear of Carthage and irrationality, by F. E. Adcock.--Economic motivation; did it play a role? The role of economic motivation, by M. Rostovtzeff. The lack of economic motivation, by E. Badian.--The character and consequences of Roman imperialism: City-state unable to act as world power, by R. E. Smith. Patrol-state and client-state, by E. Badian. Economic and social consequences of imperialism, by A. H. McDonald.