ABSTRACT
The literature on international systems has two intriguing characteristics. First, the number of studies that analyze international systems is relatively small. Second, those studies that have appeared, with only a few exceptions, are largely static. Most studies of international systems concentrate on identifying and describing types of systems. The limited attention to, and largely static treatment of, international systems could indicate a basic lack of clarity within the subject matter. Ambiguities in concepts and the absence of explicit research questions could well deter analysts from devoting time to an area of inquiry. In February 1979 China invaded Vietnam. The degree of polarity and the tightness or looseness of the poles are examples of configurational variables. The configurational variable “alignment,” like the power distribution variable, has experienced a variety of operational conceptualizations. A more useful rationale is provided by considering more broadly why systems analysts are concerned with international systems.
