How we should govern ourselves is the subject of this chapter and chapter 7. Each examines one of the two divergent roads that we can take toward organizing the world stage politically. This chapter focuses on the traditional path that we have been following for several centuries. Organizationally, it features the state (nation-state, national state) as the core political actor. The role of the state is so important that you will find commentary on its history and operation throughout this book. Within this overarching analysis, chapter 6 looks at the nature of the state as a political unit and the implications of its past, present, and possible future as the central actor in the international system.

States are territorially defined political units that exercise ultimate internal authority and that recognize no legitimate external authority over them. All states share the following characteristics: sovereignty, territory, population, diplomatic recognition, internal organization, and domestic support.

This chapter will explore different forms of state governance, from authoritarianism to democracy, and the extent to which these political systems ensure freedom and promote security. For example, does living in a democratic state give you assurance that war will never reach your shores? Is it possible for other countries around the world to adhere to the democratic ideal? Is it necessary that they do so? The activities in this chapter will help you assess the importance and validity of the traditional structure of the state.