Suitable for courses in International Relations, this book provides a multidisciplinary vocabulary for explaining general issues and trends facing the contemporary world involving cultural diversity, economic development, the natural environment, and international peace and violence. It affords equal time to the analysis of global issues using alternative perspectives. Four major case studies—one for each of the four central issues explored—encourage the application of concepts and perspectives presented in the narrative. It is the perfect compliment to any introductory IR text.