The Classical International System (1648-1789)

The Transitional International System (1789-1945)

The Bi-Polar International System (1945-1989)

The Classical International System (1648-1789)

During the classical era, International Relations was dominated by a relatively small number of European-based royalist states. This system was multipolar in nature and was primarily maintained through a balance of power mechanism.

The Transitional International System (1798-1945)

The Transitional period witnessed an increase in the number of state and non-state actors in what was still a multipolar system. The system was gradually destabilised by a combination of ideological conflict and a revolution in the military means of waging war.

The Bi-Polar International System (1945-1989)

A defining characteristic of the bi-polar or Cold War system was worldwide rivalry between two hegemonic bloc leaders, the US and the USSR. No continent was spared from the effects of this competition. While the Cold War contained many of the features of traditional great power rivalry, it fell short of direct armed conflict between the two main antagonists.The Cold War passed away peacefully in the late 1980s.

Characteristics of a system:

1. There are a number of distinct but interdependent units and the interaction of these units affect one another and help define the system
2. There is some regularity of interactions between units. Events do not occur randomly despite appearances.
3. It exists within a dynamic environment, susceptible to change and modifications.