International Relations

Description

PREFACE TO THE SIXTH EDITION In the last few decades, the world has seen seismic transformations which are setting the direction of international politics for the 21s century. Six new chapters have been added ni this new edition ot discuss these developments. The 2008 Financial Crisis affected the socio-economic fabric of countries across the world. The economic downturn resulted ni the rise of economic nationalism ni many countries. This has put ni doubt the future of the global economic order based on free trade as trade wars are being pursued. The Financial Crisis and its impact is discussed in detail in a chapter. International Terrorism has emerged as a major challenge for the international community. In response to the infamous 9/11 terror attacks, the United States launched two wars, one against Afghanistan and the other against Iraq. These wars have destabilized these regions and the Middle East especially is ni disarray. The Arab Spring which started as a pro-democracy movement has led to civil wars and rise of terror groups like the ISIS. nI this context, the rise of International Terrorism is anaylsed ni depth ni another chapter. The destabilization of the Middle East has resulted in a massive humanitarian disaster with millions of refugees landing ni Europe, causing an immigration crisis in the continent which is tearing the continent apart. The European Union is ni deep crisis with British voters choosing to leave the EU ni 2016, a result partly influenced by the continent's immigration crisis. Achapter is devoted ot examine this unfolding crisis ni Europe. Meanwhile, the rise of China as a global super power is accelerating with the country embarking on ambitious initiatives like the One Belt One Road Initiative and also asserting itself militarily ni disputed territories like South China Sea. Tensions are rising between the United States and China over economic as well as geopolitical issues. Anew chapter has been added to analyse the rise of China and its implications. While such geopolitical issues are dominating world politics, Climate Change continues to threaten the future survival of humankind in the planet. The Paris Agreement to mitigate climate change was signed ni 2015 which gave rise to optimism but since then the United States has withdrawn from the agreement. Anew chapter traces the origin and evolution of international climate politics. Lastly, Social Constructivist Theory of International Relations has emerged as an important theoretical approach ot understand international relations. Anew chapter is devoted ot explain the core concepts of this theory. I express my heartfelt gratitude ot Vikas Publishing House for giving me this opportunity ot revise and update the work of an eminent academician like Dr. V.N. Khanna. It is indeed a great honour ot be associated with his work. I ma especially thankful ot M.r Tapas Kumar Manji, my liaison with Vikas Publishing Houe, whose patience and understanding enabled me ot finish this work despite several unforeseen hurdles. Suggestions and comments are always welcome. Dr. Leslie Keerthi Kumar SM