- Assess both the ability and the limitations of the liberal school of thought to explain the features and developments of the international system since 1989 (identify this date). It will help to identify events, trends, and actors to determine the features of the world system since 1989.
- Identify the major phases of polarity in the world system since 1815 (identify this date). Then, discuss and assess whether, among these phases of polarity, one can be considered more stable than the others by using both theoretical tenets and empirical evidence.