’Finally a comprehensive and serious approach to International Relations that pays necessary homage to its theories and frameworks as a discipline while striving to acquaint readers to the topicality, relevance, and impact of what an IR scholar actually empirically studies and why it MATTERS in the real world. This is a welcome novel engagement of the discipline that should attract many new young minds to our field.’ Matthew Crosston, Bellevue University, USA ’International Relations is a young discipline. This textbook is an innovative attempt at exploring this young discipline in all its complexities and contradictions. A very useful book to inform the beginners and to engage the scholars. Rigorous as well as accessible!’ Harsh V. Pant, King's College London, UK ’In this excellent and innovative volume Kavalski has assembled scholars working at the forefront of contemporary international relations. All of the chapters provide surprising insights and unique perspectives on the contemporary practice and theory of international relations. It is refreshing to find a textbook that challenges long held assumptions in this way. A must read for all introductory courses on global politics.’ Colin Wight, University of Sydney, Australia