Designed for courses in Introduction to International Relations, International Affairs, and International Politics taught in departments of political science or international relations/affairs. This text carefully leads the reader through the maze of international actors, interests, outlooks, and actions in a readily accessible fashion. The 6 organizing frameworks/parts of the book are: Participants, systems, perceptions, instruments, issues, and future. The text is up-to-date, reflecting the continuing evolution of the post-Cold War world.