The first chapter concentrates on modern socio-political challenges. Thus, it discusses nationalism, identity, religious issues and orthodox ideas as sources of potential conflicts. It further analyzes humanitarian operations and responsibility to protect idea as other probable trouble-makers. It closes with a discussion on civil wars and failed states as threats to international security. The second chapter relates to socio-economic challenges, which seem to be underestimated as of likely conflict- generating sources. It discusses such problem as overpopulation and ageing societies, migrations as well as social stratification, poverty and assimilation difficulties. The last chapter is devoted to post-modern political issues. Here, the state is not playing the main role. Thus, the analysis refers to the non-state actors and their role 15 in shaping the global order. Final discussion relates to privatization of war and power and the question of the role of private companies in the post-modern conflicts. (fragment) 2020 r. Table of Contents Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 11 Chapter 1. State is still in the center – modern socio-political challenges.............................. 17 1.1. Nationalism................................................................................................................. 18 1.2. Identity, religious conflicts and orthodox ideas.............................................................. 25 1.3. Humanitarian operations and responsibility to protect idea............................................ 32 1.4. Civil wars and failed states........................................................................................... 36 Chapter 2. Struggle for money? Socio-economic challenges.................................................. 41 2.1. Overpopulation and ageing societies............................................................................. 41 2.2. Migrations................................................................................................................... 44 2.3. Social stratification, poverty and assimilation problems................................................. 53 Chapter 3. States outside the mainstream? Post-modern political issues............................... 59 3.1. The role of non-state actors.......................................................................................... 59 3.2. Privatization of war and power...................................................................................... 70 Conclusion......................................................................................................................... 79 Bibliography....................................................................................................................... 83 Appendices........................................................................................................................ 89 List of abbreviations.......................................................................................................... 109 List of figures.................................................................................................................... 110 List of charts..................................................................................................................... 111 List of tables..................................................................................................................... 112 List of appendices............................................................................................................. 113 Summary........................................................................................................................... 115