The emerging 21st century world poses a challenge to students, scholars and policy makers alike. Without a single, overriding global issue to frame inquiry and understanding, there is little agreement about which dimensions of world politics are most important. This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to the post Cold War world and the various theories which attempt to explain what is unfolding and yet to come. In this extensively revised eight edition, the authors keep pace with the dramatic march of events and the ever changing theories and concepts of international relations. Students are informed of relations among global actors, the historical developments and issues that underlie such relations and the ways in which today's trends are likely to alter the global future.