14 International Relations Theory of War
ON POWERS AND WARS
International systems influence international outcomes in different ways,
particularly in the case of the two international outcomes that are assessed
in the study. Different terms describe systems in general, including pow-
ers acting in each of the three international systems: the term polar power
is used as a general term to describe the powers constituting the different
poles in each of the three possible systems. To differentiate polar powers
operating in each of the three international systems that the book dis-
cusses, specific terms are used. Multipolar systems consist of three or more
great powers; bipolar systems consist of two superpowers; and unipolar sys-
tems have a single hyperpower.
The polarity of the system is defined in the following manner. A unipo-
lar system consists of one polar power, a single hyperpower, which enjoys
absolute superiority over other countries operating within the system; this
superiority will manifest in a combination of its material, economic, and
military power, along with its territorial power, which is defined by hold-
ing of territories of geopolitical importance at that point in time. Bipolar
systems are when there are just two polar powers, or superpowers, which
have absolute economic and military superiority alike, combined with ter-
ritorial power, which is defined as holding of territories of geopolitical
importance in the given time. Multipolar systems are when three or more
polar powers, or great powers, have absolute superiority over other coun-
tries operating in the system; this superiority manifests in a combination
of their material, economic, and military power and their territorial power,
which is defined as holding of territories of geopolitical importance at that
point in time.
In the international system, three main families of wars involving coun-
tries can be defined: interstate wars (wars between countries), extrastate
wars (wars between countries and nonstate players), and intrastate wars
(wars that are fought within countries).^2
Interstate wars in general and those that involve polar powers in particu-
lar are divided in this book into three main categories. Central wars are the
broadest of the three war types, and all polar powers constituting the sys-
tem are involved in them. Central wars may occur in multipolar systems.
In bipolar systems, central wars and major wars are identical because both
involve the two superpowers constituting bipolar systems. Central wars
cannot occur in unipolar systems because there is just one polar power
acting in them—a single hyperpower.
Major wars are of low intensity relative to central wars and of greater
intensity than those of minor wars, and they involve more than one polar
power but not all. Major wars may occur in multipolar systems. In bipolar
systems, central wars and major wars are identical because both involve
the two superpowers. Major wars cannot occur in unipolar systems