The international political system during the Cold War was finally established through decolonization. However, this is somewhat over-simplified. While the nation-state system is considered modern, many states have not incorporated the system and are termed pre-modern. Further, a handful of states have moved beyond the nation-style system and can be considered post-modern. The ability and effectiveness of these different types of states is disputed. Levels of analysis is a way of looking at the international system, which includes the individual level, the domestic nation-state as a unit, the international level of transnational and intergovernmental affair, and the global level.

International relations represent the study of foreign affairs and global issues among states within the international system, including the roles of states, inter-governmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, international non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations. It is both an academic and public policy field, and can be either positive or normative as either of them seeks to analyze as well as formulate the foreign policy of certain nation-states.

The book will prove to be a unique source of information on war, politics and international relations to students, scholars, politician, teachers and general readers.