Introduction to International Politics

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United States prosperity and security in the 21^st century depends on much more than the success of our own political leaders or, for that matter, private U.S. financial operations. Increasing political, economic, and even ecological interdependence ensures that our physical and financial health is now intrinsically linked to that of other states and societies. We remain the most “powerful” state in the world by any number of measures of that elusive term. Still, as became all too clear after September 11^th, 2001, despite our continued nuclear superpower status, the United States is decidedly dependent on other actors – state and non-state alike. This means that, if you want to maximize your own potential individually and that of the United States collectively, you need to understand how these states and societies operate within the context of the international system.