Microcase   Exercise 1 Countries, often referred to as either "nation-states" or "states" in international relations, have been the primary international actors since the Peace of Westphalia ended the Thirty Years War in 1648. Let’s examine nation-states in international relations. Exercise 2 Countries, often referred to as either "nation-states" or "states" in international relations, have been the primary international actors since the Peace of Westphalia ended the Thirty Years War in 1648. However, the traditional view that states are the primary actors has been challenged by the view that other entities now play a particularly important role in international relations. Let’s examine some of these other actors in international relations, starting with non-governmental organizations. Non-governmental organizations include multi-national corporations (sometimes called transnational corporations); citizen groups, such as Greenpeace; and human rights groups, such as Amnesty International; to mention just a few examples. Let’s explore how these organizations have changed in number and strength over time.