This textbook introduces students to the key changes in current global politics in order to help them make sense of major trends that are shaping our world. The emphasis on change in global politics helps students to recognize that genuinely new developments require citizens to change their beliefs and that new problems may appear even as old ones disappear. It is designed to encourage students to think ahead in new, open-minded ways, even as they come to understand the historical roots of the present. Key features: explains global politics using an historical approach; assesses several types of theory so that students become aware of what theory is and why it is necessary for understanding global politics; presents key aspects of global politics including the development of the nation-state, power, international law, war, foreign policy, security, terrorism, international organization, international political economy, the global south, the environment and globalization; extensive pedagogy to reinforce learning - student activities, visual materials, definitions of key terms and names, learning boxes, cultural materials, key documents, annotated bibliography and website addresses. Introduction to Global Politics will be essential reading for students of political science, global politics and international relations.