But what distinguishes historical eras from one another is less the distribution of power than the degree of order between and within states. Order never just emerges; it is the result of conscious efforts by the most powerful entities in the world.
不过，与其说历史时代的划分是以权力的分配为标准，倒不如说是以国家之间以及国家内部的秩序为标准。秩序从来都不是被凭空出现的，相反，它是世界上最强大的国家之间有意识的共同努力的产物。