The unifying essence of this book lies in the concept of politics. Politics connects the affairs of individuals acting as individuals, groups, states, alliances, empires, international and transnational organizations, all seeking to maximize their individual and collective security.

The central challenge of politics is to achieve a fair and feasible alignment of conflicting individual and collective demands and needs. In well-functioning societies, sensitive and legitimate institutions provide the necessary regulatory mechanisms for the effective and fair distribution of opportunities, incomes, and obligations.

The main problem with the international system, when examined as a collective political entity, is the absence of effective and legitimized institutions. In an environment of international semi-anarchy, diplomacy and war fill the global institutional gap.

Therefore, a key objective of this book is the analysis of the inadequate international system that relies on the fragile foundation of the threat of war. Our hope must be that with a better understanding in the generations to come, our planet will transform, slowly but surely, into a well-organized global community free from the scourges of intolerance, war, and poverty.