This timely introduction to the study of international relations places special emphasis on the politics of international economics and the nuclear threat. Written for beginning students, the book combines comprehensive and realistic introductory material basic to the study of international relations with in-depth case studies of major issues and problem areas such as management of the world economy and management of world military power, East-West and North-South (rich nation vs. poor nation) conflicts, and the struggle for resources and ways and means of preventing World War III. Readers untrained in economics will find the subject matter introduced before it is discussed in its applied form. Henry L. Bretton has published widely on Western and non-Western government, politics, and international relations. He is currently Distinguished Professor of Political Science at the State University of New York College at Brockport.