Paul Wilkinson is Professor of International Relations and Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Centre for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at the University of St Andrews. Prior to his appointment at St Andrews in 1989 he was Professor of International Relations, University of Aberdeen 1979-1989. He is co-editor of the academic journal iTerrorism and Political Violence/i, and is currently director of a research project on the domestic management of terrorist attacks in the UK. He served as Adviser to UK Governments's Inquiry into Legislation Against Terrorism. He has published widely on International Relations and terrorism, his latest publication being iAddressing The New International Terrorism; /i, a report to the Trilateral Commission, (May 2003, co-authored with Nye and Satoh).

Of undoubtable relevance today, in a post-9-11 world of growing political tension and unease, this iVery Short Introduction/i covers the topics essential to an understanding of modern international relations. Paul Wilkinson explains the theories and the practice that underlie the subject, and investigates issues ranging from foreign policy, arms control, and terrorism, to the environment and world poverty. He examines the role of organizations such as the United Nations and the European Union, as well as the influence of ethnic and religious movements and terrorist groups which also play a role in shaping the way states and governments interact. This up-to-date book is required reading for those seeking a new perspective to help untangle and decipher international events.