This introductory text balances the importance of international security with international political economy. Professor Goldstein's presentation of alternative theories, including feminism and postmodernism early in the text helps students approach international relations by utilizing a variety of viewpoints. International Relations also shows how a new North-South gap has replaced the old East-West cleavage of the Cold War.

In examining the influences on international relations, the author goes beyond the three customary levels of analysis (individual, domestic, and state) and adds a fourth global dimension to study the importance of the United Nations, the environment, global communication, and culture in world affairs. This second edition has been thoroughly updated to include the conflict in Bosnia, the development of peace in the Middle East, and economic integration in Europe.

This new edition also offers color maps of the world's major regions for the reader's convenience.