Richard Oliver Collin is distinguished professor emeritus of politics and geography at Coastal Carolina University. Pamela L. Martin is professor of politics at Coastal Carolina University.

• IntroductionPart I: Introduction to a Small Planet1. Global Literacy: Understanding a Complicated World2. Levels of Analysis: The People, Places, and Things We Study3. Community and Conflict: A Quick Look at the Planet4. The Country in Question: Sovereign States and NationsPart II: How the World Functions: Freedom and Political Conflict5. Containing Conflict: The International Community 6. Freedom and Ideology: Imagining an Ideal World7. How Democracies Manage Freedom and Conflict Part III: Kinds of Conflict: The World When Things Go Wrong8. Conflict and Less-Free Societies9. Conflict, Violence, War, and Mayhem 10. The War of the Mind: Violent Ideological Conflict11. The War of the Heart: Violent Nationalist ConflictPart IV: Population, Poverty, Resources, and Human Development12. Economic Development: The Rich and the Wretched 13. Too Many Plates at the Table: Population and Political Conflict 14. The Greening of a Blue PlanetAppendicesGlossary

A spectacular 360-degree view, this book presents a complete and organic discussion of the most salient issues, actors, principles, concepts, and debates in world politics today. By offering a vast array of relevant examples, current data, and precise accounts and discussions of what it all means, Collin and Martin provide the reader with the perfect tools to unravel and enjoy the complexities of world politics. This excellent textbook is a 'must have' for any student interested in international affairs. -- Valentina Padula, University of California at Santa Barbara Most introductory international relations texts fail in two main ways that are troublesome for instructors. The first is the failure to provide the background necessary to consider theories and ideas in the field. This text provides this material in a thoughtful and creative way before discussing the formalities of the discipline, preparing the students to go beyond recapitulation to genuine understanding. The second is the failure to prepare for a lack of motivation by students often uninformed about world concerns, who require an original way to entice them forward. This text utilizes a broad approach that will appeal to the interests of diverse undergraduates by its presentation of relevant examples and current dilemmas, reflecting the teaching expertise of its authors and their singular background as world citizens. I would highly recommend this book for any international relations course. -- Chris Van Aller, Winthrop University