Haynes Jeffrey

From the war on terror to the global financial crisis, traditional concepts of world politics are being challenged on a daily basis. In these uncertain times, the study of international relations and the forces that shape them have never been more important. Written specifically for students who are approaching this subject for the first time, World Politics is the most accessible, coherent and up-to-date account of the field available. It covers the historical backdrop to today’s political situations, the complex interactions of states and non-state actors, the role of political economy, human security in all its forms, and the ways in which culture, religion and identity influence events. World Politics takes a new approach that challenges traditional interpretations, and will equip students with the knowledge and the confidence needed to tackle the big issues.

Purposefully written for those coming to politics for the first time, this textbook provides an exploration and analysis of the most important political issues affecting the Developing World. Offering a different perspective from standard texts in this field, "Politics in the Developing World" encourages an understanding of the breadth and nature of a range of pressing - and previously understated - issues: the striving for democracy; the political consequences of economic growth and development; the struggle of religious and ethnic minorities; women's and human rights; the impact of globalization; and the politics of the natural environment.In doing so, the interaction of domestic and global factors affecting many of the Developing World countries is highlighted and a new qualitatively different set of concerns is identified. Some have resulted from recent international changes following the demise of the soviet bloc, including the shift to democracy in South Africa, and the ramifications of the late 1990s South East Asian financial crisis. To illustrate the importance of these themes and issues five Developing World regions are focused on and explored in detail: Latin America and the Caribbean, South Asia, East and South East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa.While based on Haynes' previous publication, "Third World Politics: A Concise Introduction" (1996), this is a new book, completely rewritten, with updated regional analyses and data throughout. It focuses upon changes in the Developing World in the last decade, with an increased focus on its international relations, complementing those chapters concerned with domestic issues. An ideal introduction and an invitation to further study, this text is essential reading for introductory students studying a range of courses including development studies, global politics, world politics, Developing World politics, comparative politics, and international relations.

One of the most resilient ideas about societal development after World War II was that nations would inevitably secularise as they modernised. However, as we come to the end of the 'secular' twentieth century, it is obvious that religion continues to be an important factor in politics around the world. The author examines the continuing importance of religion, focusing upon the regions of Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.