No reason exists why—in addition to states—nationalities, diasporas, religious communities and other groups should not be treated as legitimate actors. . . . In the emerging global politics, however, state sovereignty and authority are withering and no alternative, such as some system of world government, is about to fill the vacuum. -Samuel P. Huntington, realist theoretician, 2001 States and International Relations explores the development of individual states on the world stage and the conflict and cooperation between them. This section covers the balance of power in the international arena at both a theoretical and practical level. Key current and historical issues like states struggling to achieve or maintain independence are also examined. This section also discusses the many and varied interests involved in foreign policy making. Foreign policy decision-making is examined at the individual, societal, and state levels. Completing the Online MicroCase exercises alongside the InfoTrac College Edition readings will provide a statistical and analytical look at the many factors and competing interests involved in making successful foreign policy decisions.