This exciting text is unique in that it takes a consciously student-oriented approach to the study of international relations. Communicating concepts in a clear and concise manner, the book provides students with an abundance of high-interest features and pedagogical elements to help them learn. Aiming to maximize student understanding of the concrete world rather then IR theory, each chapter concludes with a case study of a contemporary situation so that students can apply what they've learned and a Changing Contours section that asks students to consider the future of a particular topic. With a large and helpful map program and extensive photos and illustrations, this is a consummately student-friendly text: students like this book, and because they do, they learn from it.