International Relations

International relations affects everyone's lives: their security, economic well-being, rights and freedoms, and the environment they share. Recently we have seen the transformation from a world of empires to today's world of sovereign states, which are enmeshed in a complex array of international institutions, all exercising degrees of political authority. The new global organization of political authority has far-reaching consequences. This Very Short Introduction untangles this complex world, providing an accessible framework for understanding the contours of global political change. Christian Reus-Smit treats theory as an indispensable tool for grasping international relations, but demystifies theorizing, introducing it as an everyday human practice. He surveys a range of theories, from realism to feminism: reading them as contrasting perspectives on the global organization of political authority. Historically, such organization has been shaped by diverse social forces, four of which are discussed in detail: shifting patterns of warfare, changing economic conditions, struggles for rights, and the politics of culture. Reus-Smit concludes with a reflection on the future of international relations in an era of profound global change. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The Proposal meets Red White and Royal Blue in this fake dating queer romance, following an aspiring young diplomat who hopes to land his dream job by hiring an actor to play his boyfriend. 'Simply delicious, ferociously funny and deeply moving. Every single page made me laugh out loud' Daisy Buchanan, author of All Grown Up. Max has never had time for a relationship working in the high stakes world of international diplomacy. But when a high-profile ambassadorial position opens up in Athens, Max is discreetly advised that his single status isn't helping his chances. In this line of work, appearances matter, and Max's rival Quentin has an advantage in the form of his charming and accomplished girlfriend. Determined not to lose out, Max hires Hunter, a blunt but charismatic American actor, to play the perfect boyfriend. Hunter dazzles on the diplomatic circuit, but soon the charade takes on a life of its own. When visa complications force Max and Hunter to make their relationship official, they find themselves trapped in a marriage of convenience that is anything but convenient. There's only one thing that could make all this even more complicated - if Max and Hunter's feelings for each other start becoming real . . . International Relations is a fake dating to fake marriage romance filled with glamorous locations, sizzling chemistry, and a love story that will capture your heart. Tropes include: Fake dating Marriage of convenience Grumpy x sunshine 'What is a summer reading list without a romcom? . . . has all the romcom tropes we know and love, which makes it such a satisfying beach read' Irish News ' . . . this romance is sure to leave your heart full and your cheeks hurting from the biggest smile!' Matthew Hubbard, critically acclaimed author of The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge ' . . . swoon-worthy, hilarious and immersive . . . heartwarming moments with propulsive pacing and punchy dialogue' Robby Weber, author of Everything About You 'Come for the fake dating and political drama, stay for the dangerously charming chemistry! . . . flirty, addictive, and so full of tension it practically hums off the page' Chip Pons, author of Winging It with You 'Wickedly charming. Superbly sexy. Utterly delightful . . . A must read' Andie Burke Praise for Zac Hammett's debut novel, See You at the Finish Line 'Officially brilliant. It had all my favourite romcom tropes, as well as being funny, clever and so epically readable. I loved everything about it and can't wait to see what Zac writes next' Lucy Vine, author of Hot Mess and Book Boyfriend 'Filled to the brim with smart wit and delicious tension' Hannah Bonam-Young, USA Today Bestselling Author 'Sexy, surprising and sharp-witted in all the best ways' Chad Beguelin, author of Showmance 'I loved this book! A sizzling, funny and sweet read' Elizabeth Drummond, author of The Reunion and The House Sitter 'A charming, sexy romcom with a relatably spiky short king and a himbo you'll fall in love with' PJ Ellis, author of We Could Be Heroes and Love & Other Scams

The Proposal meets Red White and Royal Blue in this fake dating queer romance, following an aspiring young diplomat who hopes to land his dream job by hiring an actor to play his boyfriend. 'Simply delicious, ferociously funny and deeply moving. Every single page made me laugh out loud' Daisy Buchanan, author of All Grown Up. Max has never had time for a relationship working in the high stakes world of international diplomacy. But when a high-profile ambassadorial position opens up in Athens, Max is discreetly advised that his single status isn't helping his chances. In this line of work, appearances matter, and Max's rival Quentin has an advantage in the form of his charming and accomplished girlfriend. Determined not to lose out, Max hires Hunter, a blunt but charismatic American actor, to play the perfect boyfriend. Hunter dazzles on the diplomatic circuit, but soon the charade takes on a life of its own. When visa complications force Max and Hunter to make their relationship official, they find themselves trapped in a marriage of convenience that is anything but convenient. There's only one thing that could make all this even more complicated - if Max and Hunter's feelings for each other start becoming real . . . International Relations is a fake dating to fake marriage romance filled with glamorous locations, sizzling chemistry, and a love story that will capture your heart. Tropes include: Fake dating Marriage of convenience Grumpy x sunshine 'What is a summer reading list without a romcom? . . . has all the romcom tropes we know and love, which makes it such a satisfying beach read' Irish News ' . . . this romance is sure to leave your heart full and your cheeks hurting from the biggest smile!' Matthew Hubbard, critically acclaimed author of The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge ' . . . swoon-worthy, hilarious and immersive . . . heartwarming moments with propulsive pacing and punchy dialogue' Robby Weber, author of Everything About You 'Come for the fake dating and political drama, stay for the dangerously charming chemistry! . . . flirty, addictive, and so full of tension it practically hums off the page' Chip Pons, author of Winging It with You 'Wickedly charming. Superbly sexy. Utterly delightful . . . A must read' Andie Burke Praise for Zac Hammett's debut novel, See You at the Finish Line 'Officially brilliant. It had all my favourite romcom tropes, as well as being funny, clever and so epically readable. I loved everything about it and can't wait to see what Zac writes next' Lucy Vine, author of Hot Mess and Book Boyfriend 'Filled to the brim with smart wit and delicious tension' Hannah Bonam-Young, USA Today Bestselling Author 'Sexy, surprising and sharp-witted in all the best ways' Chad Beguelin, author of Showmance 'I loved this book! A sizzling, funny and sweet read' Elizabeth Drummond, author of The Reunion and The House Sitter 'A charming, sexy romcom with a relatably spiky short king and a himbo you'll fall in love with' PJ Ellis, author of We Could Be Heroes and Love & Other Scams

International relations affects everyone's lives: their security, economic well-being, rights and freedoms, and the environment they share. Recently we have seen the transformation from a world of empires to today's world of sovereign states, which are enmeshed in a complex array of international institutions, all exercising degrees of political authority. The new global organization of political authority has far-reaching consequences. This Very Short Introduction untangles this complex world, providing an accessible framework for understanding the contours of global political change. Christian Reus-Smit treats theory as an indispensable tool for grasping international relations, but demystifies theorizing, introducing it as an everyday human practice. He surveys a range of theories, from realism to feminism: reading them as contrasting perspectives on the global organization of political authority. Historically, such organization has been shaped by diverse social forces, four of which are discussed in detail: shifting patterns of warfare, changing economic conditions, struggles for rights, and the politics of culture. Reus-Smit concludes with a reflection on the future of international relations in an era of profound global change. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.