ABSTRACT
This chapter provides an introduction to possible links between modern systems and International Relations (IRs) theory and, by doing so, encourages further exploration along these lines. It argues against the notion that the only choice available is to accept modern systems theory in its totality—and barely leave any room for IR theorising—or reject it. The chapter also argues in due course that IR addresses issues which are falsely observed by modern systems theory, namely the continuing primacy of territorial differentiation within the political system of world society. It considers the theory's general architectonics and the main lines of reasoning to be of primary interest. In order to establish further the rationale for paying attention to Luhmann's systems theory in IR, the chapter briefly elaborates on how notions of ‘society’ play significant roles in various IR theories.
