In todays world, students need to know that there is more to politics than just politics. This clearly written text introduces students to world politics as a combination of comparative politics and international relations in an increasingly interconnected globe and explores topics that are sometimes left out of the equation: health care; the status of children; changing roles of women in the developing world; and the interplay among population growth, resources, the environment, and sustainable development. Designed specifically for introductory-level students, the book balances theory with authentic insights and examples that provide a compelling window into the struggles of citizens worldwide.

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.

Introduction
Part I: Introduction to a Small Planet
1. Global Literacy: Understanding a Complicated World
2. Levels of Analysis: The People, Places, and Things We Study
3. Community and Conflict: A Quick Look at the Planet
4. The Country in Question: Sovereign States and Nations
Part II: How the World Functions: Freedom and Political Conflict
5. Containing Conflict: The International Community
6. Freedom and Ideology: Imagining an Ideal World
7. How Democracies Manage Freedom and Conflict
Part III: Kinds of Conflict: The World When Things Go Wrong
8. Conflict and Less-Free Societies
9. Conflict, Violence, War, and Mayhem
10. The War of the Mind: Violent Ideological Conflict
11. The War of the Heart: Violent Nationalist Conflict
Part IV: Population, Poverty, Resources, and Human Development
12. Economic Development: The Rich and the Wretched
13. Too Many Plates at the Table: Population and Political Conflict
14. The Greening of a Blue Planet
Appendices
Glossary