This accessible and user-friendly introduction to International Politics blends key facts and terms with strong analytical commentary, examining the debates and issues of greatest relevance to the study of the subject. Focusing on the post-second world war period, the book covers issues from the beginning of the cold war up to the present day, with particular attention paid to recent and contemporary events. There is detailed coverage of some of the world's 'trouble spots', from the situation following the end of communist domination in Eastern Europe to the post-September 11 world and the threat posed by international terrorism.