* Comprehensive textbook which uses an historical context to explain contemporary global politics. Integrates theory and practice throughout the text allowing students to see real world illustrations of abstract concepts.

* Written in a clear and approachable manner it discusses all the main conceptual issues and theoretical debates as well as main substantive themes and issues in world politics.

* One of the strengths of earlier editions was an innovative range of pedagogy to enhance and facilitate student understanding. This edition builds on this by adding up-to-date text and illustrations.

* Ultimately an optimistic book, clear about global solutions as well as global problems.

* Straightforward, coherent, comprehensive, and thoroughly documented, the book can serve as a handy reference for scholars as well as a university textbook.

* Chapters, sections and illustrations are neatly consolidated and labelled, allowing teachers to adapt and arrange topical elements of the textbook to highlight the preferred thematic progression of their courses.

* Includes much non-Western history (China, Islam), often lacking in IR textbooks

* The 'student activities' section at the end of each chapter is great to inspire and activate students, and to reflect on their own opinions or convictions

* Has a solid focus on the learning outcomes identified by most university programs such as interpretation and analysis