New Systems Theories of World Politics uses systems theoretical approaches to analyze the structure and dynamics of the international system. Drawing from different systems theoretical traditions, it argues that the system of world politics can be analyzed in a comprehensive fashion by continuing the pioneering work of theorists like Karl Deutsch.

PART I: CONCEPTUAL OVERVIEW Introduction: Systems Theorizing in IR; M.Albert & L-E.Cederman Systems Theory beyond Explaining and Understanding; O.Kessler & F.Kratochwil PART II: 'MODERN' SYSTEMS THEORY Modern Systems Theory and World Politics; M.Albert Modern Systems Theory and/as Historical Discourse Analysis; H-M.Jaeger PART III: PROCESS-THEORETICAL APPROACHES Relationism and New Systems Theory; D.Nexon Complexity and Change in World Politics; L-E.Cederman Understanding System Dynamics; B.F.Braumoeller PART IV: ANALYSES OF MACROHISTORICAL PROCESSES English School as New Systems Theory; B.Buzan Differention, Rationalization and Actorhood; G.M.Thomas War and the Global Spread of the Nation-State; A.Wimmer & B.Min PART V: FINAL REFLECTIONS AND OUTLOOK Flatland: Quantum Mind and International System; A.Wendt

MATHIAS ALBERT is Professor of Political Science, Bielefeld University, Germany.

LARS-ERIK CEDERMAN is Professor of International Conflict Research, ETH Zürich, Switzerland.

ALEXANDER WENDT is Mershon Professor of International Security and Professor of Political Science, Ohio State University, USA.