ABSTRACT
The primary actors in world politics are nation-states; any attempt to suggest otherwise is completely erroneous. The proliferation of international organizations has not altered the fundamental role of nation-states in world politics. Many nations accede to the charter of an international organization while reserving the right to renege on their obligations under the charter, should any action or decision prove a detriment to their national security, prestige, or national honor. Nation-states are less inclined to employ unilateral military and economic measures in the contemporary environment of "balance of terror" and increased reliance on imports of energy sources and raw materials. A large number of nonstate actors played important parts in the Iranian and Afghanistan crises; the most significant of these was the United Nations. The study of nonstate actors in world politics will promote a greater understanding of contemporary international relations.
