Introduction to Global Politics, Fourth Edition, is an accessible, comprehensive, and well-written introductory textbook which emphasizes the evolution of major global issues from the past to the present. By integrating theory and political practice at individual, state, and global levels, students are introduced to key developments in global politics, helping them make sense of major trends that are shaping our world.
This completely revised and updated edition includes new material on:
- the dramatic shift in US policies under President Donald Trump and the post-Trump moves to redo the global scene
- the coronavirus pandemic and its impact around the world
- Brexit, and its consequences for the European Union
- the rise of China and Russia in the international order
- technological developments in weaponry and the militarization of outer space
- the growing importance of the politics of identity, the environment, nationalism and populism while retaining much of the structure and many of the features of past editions, including a revised range of faculty and student aids– a test bank, flashcards, glossary, web links, PowerPoint slides, chapter outlines, suggested video clips, map exercises, cultural references, and boxed features
Stimulating and provocative, the book is designed to appeal to students and instructors interested in international relations as a broadly defined, multidisciplinary subject encompassing politics, history, economics, military science, psychology, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy.
Prologue
Part I Theory and Global Politics
1.Theoretical approaches to global politics
Part II The Past as Prologue to the Present
2.The evolution of the interstate system
3.The world wars
4.The Cold War
5.Decolonization and the global South
Part III Living Dangerously in a Dangerous World
6.Globalization: The new frontier
7.Great issues in contemporary global politics
8.Power in global politics and the causes of war
9.Technology and the changing face of warfare
10.Managing conflict: international law and international and transnational organization
Part IV Global Issues
11.Identity politics
12.International political economy
13.Human rights: The individual in global politics
14.Human security
15.The environment: A global collective good
Part V Epilogue
Biography
Richard W. Mansbach, Professor of Political Science at Iowa State University, USA, has authored or coauthored over 20 books, written numerous articles and book chapters, and received numerous awards.
Ellen B. Pirro, Associate Teaching Professor at Iowa State University, has coauthored or edited a number of books in international relation and European politics, as well as numerous articles and book chapters.
“Introduction to Global Politics is a major contribution to the understanding of politics in a complex global setting. It is highly informative and covers topical and stimulating issues on global politics.”
– Nalanda Roy, Assistant Professor of International Relations and Asian Politics, Armstrong State University, Savannah
“This book masterfully introduces the student to how theoretical perspectives on international relations shape our visions of history, and how particular historical events give rise to attempts at general explanations.”
– Dirk De Bièvre, Associate Professor of International Politics, Universiteit Antwerpen, Belgium
