text: FM 7-100.1________________________________________________________________________________
  of everythingit could be virtually anybody, anywhere. Therefore, this manual de-
  fines this representative composite in a way that is flexible enough to fit the most
  demanding U.S. Army training requirements and provides a framework for training
  that creates the leaders, soldiers, and unit skills necessary for success on the next
  battlefield.
  CONTEMPORARY THREATS AND OTHER ACTORS
  There are many types of actors or participants in today’s complex world envi-
  ronment. Some of the actors are countries (also called nation-states) and some
  are not. Nation-states are still dominant actors. However, some power is shifting
  to nontraditional actors and transnational concerns. There are many potential
  challenges to traditional concepts like balance of power, sovereignty, national in-
  terest, and roles of nation-state and non-state actors.
  Of course, not all actors are threats. To be a threat, a nation or organization must
  have both the capabilities and the intention to challenge the United States. The
  capabilities in question are not necessarily purely military, but encompass all the
  elements of power available to the nation or organization.
  NATION-STATE ACTORS
  Nation-states fall into four basic categories according to their roles in the inter-
  national community. The categories are core states, transition states, rogue
  states, and failed or failing states.
  The category of core states includes more than half of the nearly 200 countries in
  the world today. These are basically democratic (although to varying degrees)
  and share common values and interests. Within this larger group, there is an
  “inner core” of major powers. These are the advanced countries, including the
  United States, that generally dominate world politics. Most conflict with global
  consequences will involve the core states in some fashion or another.
  Transition states are other larger, industrial-based countriesmostly emerging
  regional powersthat are striving to become major powers. High-end transition
  states are moving from an industrial-based society to an information-based soci-
  ety. Low-end transition states are seeking to move from an agricultural-based so-
  ciety to an industrial base. As states try to make this transition, there are cycles
  of political stability and instability, and the outcome of the transition is uncer-
  tain. Some transition states may successfully join the ranks of core states and
  even become major powers within that context; others may become competitors.
  Rogue states are those that are hostile to their neighbors or to core states’ inter-
  ests. These countries can sponsor international terrorism or even confront U.S.
  military forces operating in the region. Failed or failing states are fragmented in
  such a way that a rule of law is absent; their instability is a threat to their neigh-
  bors and the core states.
  Countries can move from one category to another, as conditions change. Some-
  times countries join together in multinational alliances and coalitions. Together,
  they have more strength and can become a power to be reckoned with.