Since the end of the Cold War,interaction among communities across the globe has increased exponentially. Globalization has changed how we live, how we communicate, what we eat, and how we travel around the world. What do such social, political, and economic changes mean in a twenty-first-century context?

Understanding the Global Community explores these and other key questions, offering a concise overview of contemporary topics in international relations. Edited by Zach P. Messitte and Suzette R. Grillot, with contributions from prominent scholars across various disciplines, this accessible survey is perfectly suited for undergraduate courses in international and area studies as well as for anyone seeking a clearer understanding of today's major global concerns.

Unique in its approach, Understanding the Global Community examines both international issues and regional perspectives. The first half of the book explores overarching global themes, including American foreign policy, international security, humanitarian intervention, and the global economy. The second half addresses nationalism and its challenge to the development of a global community, with region-specific chapters focusing on historic and contemporary issues in China, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. A glossary at the end of the book provides useful definitions of key terms and concepts.