Covering topics such as foreign policy, the world economy, and globalization, this Very Short Introduction shows how many disciplines come together in the study of international events. Paul Wilkinson explains the theories underlying the subject, and uses them to investigate issues of foreign policy, arms control, the environment, and world poverty. Taking care to discuss not only the main academic theories of the discipline, he also brings to light the practical problems and issues confronting the field today, and later examines the important role of organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union, as well as the influence of ethnic and religious movements and terrorist groups in shaping the way states interact. In closing, Wilkinson takes a look forward to the possible future of international relations.