One of the leading texts on the IR market, John Rourke's International
Politics on the World Stage provides a balanced and comprehensive study
of international relations that combines theory, history, and current
trends and events. The modern international system, a background history
of how it evolved in its present form, as well as transformations that
are shaping the 21st century are presented in a straightforward,
accessible discussion, without undermining the complexity of world
political issues. The text lives up to its reputation of including the
latest events and developments of the world stage. Rourke discusses
political theory, including contemporary approaches such as
constructivism and postmodernism, in the opening chapter. He brings
theoretical concepts to life with illustrative examples taken from major
current world events, so students see how theory plays out in the real
world.