We will examine transformations of “world orders,” of the basic norms governing relations between powers and between powers and peoples.  We will discuss three historical transformations of the world order:  First, the transformation at the end of the 18^th Century of the Westphalian or Vattelian order in Europe based on the equality of states and the balance of power, into a world order based on nationalism and imperialism.  Second, the transformation in the aftermath of World War II in which imperial domination was rejected, national self-determination affirmed, and territorial acquisition by force outlawed (what we will call “1945 rules”).  Third, the collapse of 1945 rules at the beginning of the 21^st Century, as displayed by the Russian invasion of the Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea.  Thinkers we will consider include:  Vattel, Paine, Kant, Kissinger, Martin Wight, Nicholas Onuf, and Michael Ignatieff.