Contemporary international affairs are largely shaped by widely differing thematic issues and actors, such as nation states, international institutions, NGOs and multinational companies. Obtaining a deeper understanding of these multifaceted themes and actors is crucial for developing a genuine understanding of contemporary international affairs. This book provides undergraduate and postgraduate students of global politics and international relations with the necessary knowledge of the forces that shape and dominate our global political, economic and social/cultural environment. The book significantly enhances our understanding of the essentials of contemporary international affairs. Understanding Global Politics takes a pragmatic approach to international relations, with each chapter being written by an expert in their respective field: Part I provides the historical background that has led to the current state of world affairs. It also provides clear outlines of the major yet often complex theories of international relations. Part II is dedicated to the main actors in global politics. It discusses actors such as the most important nation states, the UN, EU, international organizations, NGOs and multinational companies. Part III considers important contemporary themes and challenges in global politics, including non-state centered challenges. Chapters focus on international terrorism, energy and climate change issues, religious fundamentalism and demographic changes. The comprehensive structure of this book makes it particularly viable to students who wish to pursue careers in international organizations, diplomacy, consultancy, the think tank world and the media.

Introduction I. BACKGROUND: HISTORY AND THEORY 1. Global Politics since 1945 2. Democracy: Problems and Challenges, Opportunities and Design 3. The Global Economy and the "Great Recession" 4. Theorizing Global Politics II. GLOBAL ACTORS 5. The USA 6. The People's Republic of China 7. Russia's Resurgent Political Identity 8. India 9. The European Union 10. Germany 11. The United Nations 12. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 13. IMF and World Bank 14. Non-Governmental Organisations 15. Regional Organisations 16. Multinational Businesses III. TRANSNATIONAL CHALLENGES 17. Global Environmental Politics: Sustainable Development, Climate Change and the Energy Dilemma 18. Transnational Politics of Migration: From States to Regimes and Agents 19. Global Poverty 20. Failing States and Statebuilding 21. Soft and Hard Power 22. The Rise of Religious Fundamentalism 23. Human Rights and the International Criminal Court 24. The Threat of Transnational Terrorism 25. Fighting Corruption Globally: A Case of Norm Diffusion in International Relations 26. Nuclear Proliferation and International Stability