Includes bibliographical references and index.

"This clear and concise text introduces four key theoretical frameworks that form the foundation of international relations-realism, liberalism, constructivism, and feminist theory-and uses levels of analysis as the primary unifying force to explain contemporary global politics. Cases on climate change; gender, peace, and security; migration; and the rise of China illustrate Kaufman's approach. The third edition explains core issues in international relations, such as the interaction of nations in a globalized world; the growing threat posed by non-state actors and civil conflicts; and the need for countries to work together to counter what have been called "existential crises," such as climate change, which threaten human lives and the planet. Significant revisions focus on discussion of democratic backsliding, the Covid-19 pandemic, cyberterrorism and cyberwar, changes to the European Union, and expanded coverage of international political economy"-- Provided by publisher.

<P><span style="font-weight:bold;">1 </span><span>Introduction: International Relations in a Globalized World</span></p><p><span>Why International Relations Is Important</span></p><p><span>International Relations in a Globalized World</span></p><p><span>Globalization</span></p><p><span>What Does Globalization Mean for the Study of IR?</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">2 </span><span>Theoretical Overview</span></p><p><span>What Is Theory and Why Is It Important?</span></p><p><span>Levels of Analysis: A Framework for Understanding IR</span></p><p><span>Introduction to Basic IR Theories</span></p><p><span>Summary</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">3</span><span> The Nation-State Level</span></p><p><span>Definition of </span><span style="font-style:italic;">Nation-State</span></p><p><span>History of the Nation-State</span></p><p><span>Balance of Power and Alliances</span></p><p><span>Understanding National Interest</span></p><p><span>War and Peace</span></p><p><span>Issues of Peace and Post-Conflict Reconstruction</span></p><p><span>The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) Process</span></p><p><span>Summary</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">4</span><span> Within the Nation-State</span></p><p><span>The Government, i.e., the "State" part of the Nation-State</span></p><p><span>Culture and Society</span></p><p><span>The Role of the Individual</span></p><p><span>Summary</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">5</span><span> Nonstate Actors and the International System</span></p><p><span>The Changing Nature of the International System</span></p><p><span>International Organizations</span></p><p><span>Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)</span></p><p><span>Nongovernmental Organizations (NGOs)</span></p><p><span>The Concept of "Civil Society"</span></p><p><span>Terrorism: A Challenge to the International System</span></p><p><span>Multinational Corporations (MNCs)</span></p><p><span>The Role of the Media</span></p><p><span>Summary</span></p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">6</span><span> Pulling It All Together</span></p><p><span>Introduction to the Cases</span></p><p><span>Case 1: Environmental Protection as a Common Good</span></p><p><span>Case 2: The Movement of People in a Globalized World</span></p><p><span>Case 3: The Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda</span></p><p><span>Case 4: China: Adversary or "Frenemy"?</span></p><p><span>Lessons of the Cases: Understanding International Relations in a Globalized World</span></p><p><span>Further Readings</span></p><p><span>Notes</span></p>