After studying this chapter, you will be able to do the following:

1. Discuss current patterns in international relations.

2. Describe the critical role played by the Cold War in defining the international system.

3. Describe the basic structure and function of the United Nations as an example of multilateralism.

4. Explain the nature and function of regional integration by using the example of the European Union.

5. Define neutrality, nonalignment, and isolation in international relations.

6. Discuss some of the key nonstate actors in the international system— nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), terrorist groups, and multinational corporations (MNCs).