The field of international politics encompasses a wide variety of approaches. It ranges from the study of governments and their domestic policies, to the relationship of nations across state borders, to the interaction of non-state entities like corporations, NGOs and influential individuals. The major textbooks at the graduate and undergraduate level are Baylis & Smith’s “Globalization of World Politics” or Goldstein’s “International Relations”.
The concept of “levels of analysis” has helped broaden the scope of international politics. Increasingly the term “politics” refers to political or power relations at all levels – the individual, the domestic state as a unit, the regional level of intergovernmental organizations (like the European Union) and the global level of international interactions.
Some crucial problems, such as fighting global terrorism and stopping the spread of weapons of mass destruction, defy unilateral solutions. Moreover, the study of international politics can help policy makers understand that certain goals they currently seek may be elusive or only obtainable at an unacceptable cost.
As we look ahead, America’s indisputable first objective must be to safeguard and enhance the liberty, security, and prosperity of all Americans, and to extend that zone to every corner of the globe. To do so, we must promote an international order rooted in democracy, human rights and free enterprise. This will not be charity; it will be profoundly in our nation’s self-interest.