Continuity and Change in World Politics: Competing Perspectives (4th Edition)

His analysis of the increasing dominance of non-state actors is exceedingly well-written and well-supported with evidence. In addition, he introduces the reader to the theoretical framework behind international relations, covering worldviews such as eco-wholism, realism and so on. More importantly, he directly, rather than obliquely, relates these worldviews to events actually taking place, striking a fine balance between theory and practice.

The book explores the possible successors to the nation state as the dominant means of global political organisation, for example regionalism and federalism. He succeeds in applying concepts borrowed from other disciplines to international studies, such as game theory with regard to crisis management and the economic concept of common property resources with regard to the protection and destruction of the global environment. Needless to say, it also deals with the WTO, UN and its organs (for eg the International Court of Justice), Multinational Corporations and other increasingly important international actors.

Hughes backs up excellent content and logic with a lucid writing style that does not use jargon without first explaining the terms. What I liked most about the book, however, was its organisation. A book with a scope this broad easily becomes haphazard and confusing. While avoiding the trap of divorcing what are really inter-related components of the world, Hughes divides his book neatly according to subject rather than in chronological order.

This book is very useful for students of Geography, World History and International Economics. A good book to arouse an interest in International Relations, and a good book if you already have such an interest.