Global politics in the 21st century Objective critical optimistic and with a global focus this textbook combines international relations theory history up to date research and current affairs to give the student a comprehensive unbiased understanding of international politics. It integrates theory and traditional approaches with globalization and research on newer topics such as terrorism the rise of new economic superpowers and the impact of global communications and social networking to offer the ideal breadth and depth of coverage for a one semester undergraduate course. Student learning is supported and enhanced by box features and Close Up sections with context and further information Critical Case Studies that highlight controversial and complex current affairs topics and show how the world works in practice and questions to stimulate discussion review key concepts and encourage further study. It brilliantly demonstrates the significance and interconnectiveness of globalization and new security challenges in the 21st century and illuminates the role of leadership in transnational crises