This revised, updated, and considerably expanded new edition provides a systematic introduction to the theory and practice of contemporary international relations. Including pedagogical features highlighting key thinkers and concepts, this text clarifies the fundamental debates and issues at stake in global political affairs. In this extensively revised new edition of Global Politics, internationally renowned author Andrew Heywood provides a systematic and integrated analysis of the theory and practice of contemporary international relations. This edition is fully updated to cover key developments, from the Arab Spring to the global financial crisis, and provides enhanced coverage of current issues like international migration. An entirely new chapter on the importance and impact of theory at the end of the book revisits key perspectives, and addresses deeper questions about the nature and purpose of theory in global politics. Drawing on an exceptionally wide range of theoretical perspectives throughout, each chapter is packed with innovative features to aid study and reinforce learning. To complement this textbook, there is a companion website with resources for both lecturers and students, offering exam questions, PowerPoint slides, online-only case-studies, self-test questions, and more. This new edition offers: - Updated key developments, from the Arab Spring to the global financial crisis, and provides enhanced coverage of issues like international migration - An entirely new chapter on theory at the end of the book revisits key perspectives, and addresses deeper questions about the nature and purpose of theory in international relations - Full page case studies of Global Politics in Action, illuminating major events in world affairs - Global Actor case studies considering the nature and significance of key players on the world stage, from Google to the G-20 - Focus and debating features looking closely at issues and approaches.