1. The nature of order in world politics. The concept of order in world politics -- Does order exist in world politics? -- How is order maintained in world politics? -- Order versus justice in world politics. 2. Order in the contemporary international system. The balance of power and international order -- International law and international order -- Diplomacy and international order -- War and international order -- The great powers and international order. 3. Alternative paths to world order. Alternatives to the contemporary states system -- The decline of the states system? -- The obsolescence of the states system? -- The reform of the states system?