Includes bibliographical references and index.

Theoretical approaches to global politics -- The evolution of the interstate system and alternative global political systems -- The world wars -- The Cold War -- The global south -- Globalization: the new frontier -- Great issues in contemporary global politics -- The causes of war and the changing nature of global violence -- Technology and the changing face of warfare -- International law and organization and the quest for peace -- Human rights: the individual in global politics -- Human security -- Identity politics: nationalism, religion, and ethnicity -- International political economy -- The environment: a global collective good -- Epilogue: a future dimly seen.