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:

• Should we strive to preserve the system of sovereign states? Why?

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