An international society is any association of distinct political communities that interact together following common rules and practices. Europe created the "family of nations" also known as the international society. International society was formed with the goal of safeguarding the sovereignty of each state and the "standard civilization" that distinguishes people from others. Hedley Bull stated that since each state did not accept any higher power other than itself, it lived as an internal anarchy. World politics arises from the existence of an international society. “Standard civilization” was used to justify 19th century imperialism and how nations like China and empires like the Ottoman were treated unequally. The term “international community” is best described today as dominated by great powers. Ancient Worlds Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayA contemporary international society is a group of communities that occupy a defined territory and practice legal independence. Their common interests are reflected in their policies of non-intervention and legal equality. They protect their sovereignty and exclude contenders. Sometimes a powerful state had to deal with others knowing it was superior. Other states such as Islam and medieval Europe coexisted in supranational religious authority and secular (monarchical) parts. The characteristics of international society began to be evident when the first communities settled in territorial areas and developed complex hierarchical social orders. Ownership of the territory had to be defended, defined and accepted (if possible) by external groups. Economic growth and diversity have increased trade relations with other communities, which has developed the need for mutual understanding of rules and issues related to foreigners' rights. In the Middle East, issues such as borders, trade, extradition, defense, and the rights and duties of citizens were written into treaties between great kings. A feature of modern international society for treaty violators is that citizens could be punished, held hostage, and killed. A post-war treaty between Egypt and the Hittites provided for a permanent alliance, the right to trade freely, and the extradition of criminals. The communities ceased to be helpless against the nomadic tribes as the economic situation improved in the settled communities. China, India, and Greece were divided into separate polities, but despite competition and conflict they maintained their sense of cultural unity. In the Greek city-states they had a common language, religion, and institutions such as the Olympic games and the oracle at Delphi. A well-established international corporation was a genuine element in their business. The council of amphictyony is a religious institution whose main problem was to provide protection from the Delphic oracle and impulse The Greeks participated in religious rites even in times of war. Arbitration has helped resolve disputes between urban centers, particularly those involving land. Greek international society was built by sharing moral understandings such as diplomacy, the sanctity of treaties, entry into war, and the treatment of enemy dead. India had religious rules that applied to international relations. Treaties in India were sacred qualities but there were numerous safeguards against treaty violators such as hostages. China's "Spring and Autumn" was a time when frequent warfare occurred. The characteristics of these wars were the constant struggle for hegemony; they were