By bringing into dialogue modern systems theory and international relations, this text provides theoretically innovative and empirically rich perspectives on conflicts in world society. This collection contrasts Niklas Luhmann’s theory of world society in modern systems theory with more classical approaches to the study of conflicts, offering a fresh perspective on territorial conflicts in international relations. It includes chapters on key issues such as conflicts and human rights; conflicts in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa; war and violence; Greek-Turkish relations; conflict theory; the role of states in world societal conflicts; legal territorial disputes in Australia; hegemony and conflict in global law; conflict management after 9/11. While all contributions draw from the theory of world society in modern systems theory, the authors offer rich multi-disciplinary perspectives which bring in concepts from international relations, peace and conflict studies, sociology, law and philosophy.