This study proposes a new theoretical framework for understanding the formation of the modern international system between 1860 and 1979. It argues that this transitional period witnessed an extraordinary historical concentration of thirteen leaders whose interconnected decisions, ideologies, and unintended effects collectively reshaped global politics, economics, and institutions. Rather than attributing systemic change to a single war, empire, or power, the research frames these figures as links in a single historical chain—revolutionaries, empire-builders, state-founders, and transitional administrators—who, by implementing the ideas of renowned philosophers, economists, lawmakers, and thinkers, jointly determined the direction of the contemporary world. Through comparative historical analysis, the study examines how ideological sources precede leadership, how institutions and ethics outlast temporary power, and how decisions made in a limited era continue to shape even the AI age. The theory offers a novel lens beyond traditional “great power” narratives, presenting a testable model for future research. By linking figures such as Lenin, Churchill, Gandhi, Jinnah, and Mao within one coherent structure, it invites scholars to view global history as a coordinated, partly unintentional process of systemic transformation. This work is presented not as a final conclusion, but as an initial scholarly step toward a more robust, comparative, and academically rigorous model of international historical change. Keywords: modern international system, historical transition, global leadership, comparative history, ideological influence, decolonization, Cold War, international order, transitional administrators, 1860–1979. Publications & DOI 1) The Diella Doctrine — Zenodo — https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20289985 2) Architect Generation — Zenodo — https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20312472 3) The Ethical Passport Theory (EPT) — Zenodo — https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20106107 4) The Jameel Doctrine: Humanity by Ethics — Domination by Power — Zenodo — https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20097490 5) Jameel Binary Philosophy — Zenodo — https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20475982 6) The Economic Law of Autonomous Needs — Zenodo — https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20504593 7) Spiritual harmony and marital loyalty: A proposed conceptual framework —Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20584532 8) Economic Law of Competitive Transition — Zenodo —https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20645620 9) The Lifestyle State — Zenodo — https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20824313
Arif Jameel (Mon,) studied this question.