his book analyzes the theoretical foundations of the contemporary international system with respect to the implications of globalization. The book surveys the development of the contemporary international system with special emphasis on the role of international markets for information, goods and serv ices. The book is organized in terms of five key principles of traditional international relations theory, the principle of the nation-state, the principle of parallel interests, the principle of realism the principle of free trade, and the principle of global governance. The book was prepared for specialists in the fields of international relations, international administration, and international technical cooperation.