This series of papers was commissioned to improve understanding and appreciation of common issues of concern in international studies confronting both North American and Western European scholars. Six countries were surveyed, each by a native scholar in the field of international studies: United Kingdom, France, Federal Republic of Germany, The Netherlands, Sweden, and Italy. The papers express a wide range of views on substantive issues, on the ordering of research priorities, and on how national academic gaps and weaknesses might be best overcome. The consensus of the authors is that there is a need to strengthen international studies on both sides of the Atlantic to contribute to enhanced intellectual exchange and improved mutual understanding. The papers vary in style, organization, and approach, and reflect the often sharply different patterns in academic and historical conditions of the countries studied. Subjects not covered are international economics, Soviet and East European studies, and United States studies since they have been studied under other research projects. Institutes and centers specializing in international studies are listed at the end of each paper. (Author/BC)