The global state system is a type of territorial political organization based on interactions between legally independent governments. A modern state is expected to ensure such fundamental social values as security, freedom, order, justice, and welfare. International actors possess armed forces in balance with others to avoid intimidation, coercion, or use of the armed forces by great powers (the “security dilemma”). The liberal IR theory argues that states tend to foster their independence and freedom by maintaining peace with others.
Under the International Society theory, states are interested in rigid international order and justice to enjoy stability and predictability. A high economic interdependence characterizes the current state system. The IPI theory believes that socioeconomic relations prevail over political and military issues. The First World War and The Great Depression threatened central basic values. The Second World War and Cold War highlighted the need for an effective legal system that would contain the great powers from going to war (Jackson & Sørensen, 2016). At the same time, the oil crises in the 1970s revealed the importance of economic interdependence. Nevertheless, the Third World states and CIS countries often fail to meet standards that put under question the credibility of the current state system.
Reference
Jackson, R., & Sørensen, G. (2016). Introduction to international relations: Theories and approaches (6th ed.). Oxford University Press.