From the perspective of world-systems analysis, the inter-state structure of the modern world-system (conventionally the principal subject matter for students of international relations) is merely one institutional structure or plane of analysis among a number that altogether make up the integrated framework of the modern world-system. This worldsystem, like all world-systems, is an historical system governed by a singular logic and set of rules within and through which persons and groups struggle with each other in pursuit of their interests and in accord with their values. Pertinent analysis of geopolitics, in this perspective, can only be done within the context of the functioning of the modern worldsystem as a whole and in the light of its particular historical trajectory.

I shall therefore first outline the structure and historical development of the modern world-system as a whole, and then describe the functioning of the inter-state system in particular, ending with an analysis of the present and future trajectory of the modern world-system in general and its inter-state system in particular.

The modern world-system

The modern world-system is not the only world-system that has existed. There were many others. It is, however, the first one that was organised and able to consolidate itself as a capitalist world-economy. Although initially formed primarily in (part of) Europe, its inner logic propelled it to seek the expansion of its outer boundaries. Over some four centuries, it proved durable and strong enough to be capable repeatedly of incorporating new areas and peoples within its division of labour until, by the late nineteenth century, its organisation or integrated labour processes effectively covered the entire globe, the first world-system in history to achieve this.