Understand how states as political organizations are defined.
Understand the purposes of the state.
Describe how power is conceived and understood in international relations.
Understand the various components of power.
Understand how diplomacy functions as the application of power.
Explain the evolution and features of modern diplomacy.
Explain how modern diplomacy is a communications process.
Describe the options for the conduct of modern diplomacy, including the benefits and drawbacks to various approaches to diplomatic relations.
Discuss the present and future role of the state in the world.
Describe the main criticisms of states as the units of international organization.
Describe the arguments for the likely continuance of states as the main actors in world politics.