Major features of the international system, states as primary actors, definitions and characteristics of the state, development of the international system, critiques of the state, non-state actors (non-governmental organizations, international organizations, etc.), pros and cons of non-state actors and their influence on international politics.
Essay topics/questions:

• What is your opinion about the contemporary states and their relation to other actors? Is their role really diminishing? Should we strive to preserve the system of sovereign states? Why or why not?

Study materials:

Jackson, R. & Sørensen, G., 2013. Introduction to international relations: theories and approaches 5th ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press. pp 3-31  

Willets, Peter. Transnational actors and international organizations in global politics. In: Smith, Steve, John Baylis, and Patricia Owens. 2014. The Globalization Of World Politics: An Introduction To International Relations. 6th ed. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 320-336