Synopses & Reviews
Globalization and its consequences represent one of the most urgent and complex challenges of the twenty-first century.
An Introduction to Global Studies presents students with the essential information necessary for an understanding of the complex set of interconnected issues confronting today’s globalized world.
In addition to exploring competing conceptions of globalization, the book reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field of global studies, with coverage of such topics as the nation-state system, international organizations, human rights, the global environment, population and consumption, infectious diseases, gender, global media, war, conflict, and peace. A variety of enhanced features throughout the text help illustrate the themes presented and stimulate thinking about the topics addressed. Each chapter also contains a listing of further research ideas, academic resources on selected topics, and specific real-world examples.
Drawing on insights from a broad range of disciplines across the social sciences, An Introduction to Global Studies provides readers with a firm and integrated knowledge base to help them gain a better understanding of the multifaceted issues confronting our complex and rapidly changing world.
Synopsis
Taking an interdisciplinary approach,
An Introduction to Global Studies presents readers with a solid introduction to the complex, interconnected forces and issues confronting today's globalized world.
- Introduces readers to major theories, key terms, concepts, and notable theorists
- Equips readers with the basic knowledge and conceptual tools necessary for thinking critically about the complex issues facing the global community
- Includes a variety of supplemental features to facilitate learning and enhance readers' understanding of the material
About the Author
Patricia J. Campbell is Professor and Program Director for International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies at American Public University. She is the co-editor of
Democratization and the Protection of Human Rights: Challenges and Contradictions (1998) and has written numerous articles and chapters in books and scholarly journals, including
International Feminist Journal of Politics and
Journal of Political Science Education.
Aran MacKinnon is Professor of History and Director of Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of West Georgia. He is the author of The Making of South Africa: Culture and Politics (2004) and numerous scholarly articles as well as co-editor of a special issue of the interdisciplinary journal, Studies in the Social Sciences (2005).
Christy R. Stevens is the University Library's Information Literacy Coordinator at Cal Poly Pomona. She has published several articles focusing on information literacy in the political science and global studies contexts, including articles in Journal of Political Science Education and Reference Services Review.
Table of Contents
List of Tables.
List of Figures.
Preface.
Acknowledgments.
1. Going Global.
Introduction.
Why Global Studies?
What We Talk About When We Talk About Globalization.
Dimensions of Globalization.
In Focus: Huntington’s “Clash of Civilizations”.
Global Citizenship: Rights, Responsibility, Inequalities, and Connections.
Conclusion.
2. Nation-state System.
Introduction.
Nations, States, and the Nation-state System.
Emergence of the Nation-state System.
Struggling States.
The Nation-state’s Challenges and Competitors.
In Focus: Terrorists.
Conclusion.
3. International Organizations.
Introduction.
Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs).
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
In Focus: Amnesty International.
Conclusion.
4. Human Rights.
Introduction.
Where Do Human Rights Come From?
Human Rights in the Modern Era.
In Focus: What Is Torture?
How Are Human Rights Monitored and Enforced?
Emerging Human Rights.
Human Rights and Non-state Actors.
Human Rights Abuses: Why They Affect Us All.
Conclusion.
5. The Natural Environment.
Introduction.
Global Climate Change.
In Focus: Chico Mendes and Brazil’s Rubber-tappers.
Ongoing Global Environmental Challenges.
Waste Production.
Environmental Discrimination.
International Environmental Protection Efforts.
Conclusion.
6. Population and Consumption.
Introduction.
Global Population.
Population Pressures.
Consumption.
Global Consumption Patterns.
In Focus: Population Growth, Aging, and Consumption in the Land of the Lonely Hearts Club.
Conclusion.
7. Infectious Disease and Globalization.
Introduction.
Microbes and Infectious Diseases: A Brief Overview.
Infectious Disease and Globalization: The Current Picture.
In Focus: AIDS and Globalization.
The Global Fight against Infectious Disease: Current Challenges.
Conclusion.
8. The Gendered World.
Introduction.
Defining Our Terms.
Gender, Poverty, and Development.
In Focus: Microcredit.
Labor and Migration.
Human Security and Human Rights.
Education and Health.
Conclusion.
9. Information and Communication Technologies.
Introduction.
Information and Communication Technologies.
The Information Age.
Networked: The Impact of the Internet.
The Digital Divide.
In Focus: Internet Censorship
New Media.
Conclusion.
10. War and Violent Conflict.
Introduction.
When Does Violent Conflict become War?
Types of War and Violent Conflict.
In Focus: Geno/Politicide Risk Factors.
War and Pre-history.
The History of War.
Causes of War.
Ethical and Legal Dimensions of War.
In Focus: Private Military Companies.
The Costs of War.
Conclusion.
11. Peace.
Introduction.
What Constitutes Peace? Defining Our Terms.
Origins of the Modern Peace Movement.
Waging Peace.
Global Connections: The Personal Dimension of Peace.
In Focus: United Fruit.
Conclusion.
Glossary.
Index.