Globalization and the International System

Abstract

Experience related to the states’ behaviour in the international system draws attention to the need for a three-tier analytical tool for better understanding the fundamental problems of war and peace. The first level is the person in a decision-making position. Many thinkers have recognized that the source of the tendency to conflict or cooperation is human thinking. Therefore, the character traits of the persons in the highest political decision-making positions of states are important decision-making criteria for voters. The second level is the internal political system of states, knowledge of which can provide important indications about the behaviour of a given state in the international system. The third level is the level of the international system, where changes in the balance of power, the disclosure of aggressive intentions, and the dangers of conflict escalation can be the topics of analysis. Analysts of the international system should pay more attention in the future to the first level, the personality traits of politicians.