This abridged edition offers the same personal, engaging introduction to political science as the full-length text in a shorter format--ideal for professors who incorporate outside readings into their courses. Topics include the nature of politics, political institutions, behavior, and ideologies within a comparative framework. Lawson's accessible writing style aids student comprehension and makes difficult concepts and unfamiliar terms understandable through clear explanations and an end-of-text glossary of key terms.

A shift from a state-centered emphasis on interdependence to a broader look at globalization runs throughout the text and includes new material on global organizations such as the World Bank, the IMF, and the WTO. In addition, most chapters feature new topics, including terrorism worldwide; the roots of terrorism and how nations guard against it; and post-9/11 issues in the U.S. such as civil rights and public health.

• New! Questions to Consider sections at the end of each chapter prompt discussion to review key points and problems.
• New! Internet resources broaden the reach of the text.
• Examples of gender issues, ethnicity, religious choices, and neo-nationalism help to enhance the diversity coverage throughout the text.