Thoroughly updated throughout, this new edition of The World Since 1945 traces the major political, economic, and ideological patterns that have evolved in the global arena from the end of World War II to the present day. The book provides not only the background that students need in order to understand contemporary international relations, but also new material about politics around the world. Among the current issues covered in this edition are the impact of the ongoing global recession, China's growing role in the world economy, the unchecked nuclear arms race, NATO's eastward expansion, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the escalation of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Beautifully written and student friendly, The World Since 1945 has made its place as the text of choice in scores of introductory IR and world history courses.