Entropy is the natural tendency of all things to “dis-integrate” unless held together by a counter-force. In international relations that counter-force is usually a hegemonic power, starting with the Pax Romana, and continuing with Byzantium, the Caliphate, Venice, Spain, Great Britain and the United States.
During each interregnum in this process the forces of entropy gain strength and a greater or lesser degree of anarchy grips the world community, both domestically and internationally.
We are currently in such an interregnum. It is sufficient to mention a United States, in 2000 all-powerful, now with its future mortgaged for many generations to come; a literally disintegrating Europe; Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Afghanistan, Sudan, and the list goes on.