An Introduction to Global Studies

by Patricia J. Campbell (American Public University System, USA); Aran MacKinnon (University of West Georgia, USA); Christy R. Stevens (California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, USA)

• ISBN13: 9781444329575
• ISBN10: 144432957X
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2010-07-01
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

Globalization and its consequences represent one of the most urgent and complex challenges of the twenty-first century. An Introduction to Global Studies presents students with the essential information necessary for an understanding of the complex set of interconnected issues confronting today’s globalized world.

In addition to exploring competing conceptions of globalization, the book reflects the interdisciplinary nature of the field of global studies, with coverage of such topics as the nation-state system, international organizations, human rights, the global environment, population and consumption, infectious diseases, gender, global media, war, conflict, and peace. A variety of enhanced features throughout the text help illustrate the themes presented and stimulate thinking about the topics addressed. Each chapter also contains a listing of further research ideas, academic resources on selected topics, and specific real-world examples.

Drawing on insights from a broad range of disciplines across the social sciences, An Introduction to Global Studies provides readers with a firm and integrated knowledge base to help them gain a better understanding of the multifaceted issues confronting our complex and rapidly changing world.

Table of Contents

List of Tables

List of Figures

Preface

Acknowledgments

Going Global

Introduction

Why Global Studies?

What We Talk About When We Talk About Globalization

Dimensions of Globalization

In Focus: Huntington's "Clash of Civilizations"

Global Citizenship: Rights, Responsibility, Inequalities, and Connections

Conclusion

Nation-state System

Introduction

Nations, States, and the Nation-state System

Emergence of the Nation-state System

Struggling States

The Nation-state's Challenges and Competitors

In Focus: Terrorists

Conclusion

International Organizations

Introduction

Intergovernmental Organizations (IGOs)

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)

In Focus: Amnesty International

Conclusion

Human Rights

Introduction

Where Do Human Rights Come From?

Human Rights in the Modern Era

In Focus: What Is Torture?

How Are Human Rights Monitored and Enforced?

Emerging Human Rights

Human Rights and Non-state Actors

Human Rights Abuses: Why They Affect Us All

Conclusion

The Natural Environment

Introduction

Global Climate Change

In Focus: Chico Mendes and Brazil's Rubber-tappers

Ongoing Global Environmental Challenges

Waste Production

Environmental Discrimination

International Environmental Protection Efforts

Conclusion

Population and Consumption

Introduction

Global Population

Population Pressures

Consumption

Global Consumption Patterns

In Focus: Population Growth, Aging, and Consumption in the Land of the Lonely Hearts Club

Conclusion

Infectious Disease and Globalization

Introduction

Microbes and Infectious Diseases: A Brief Overview

Infectious Disease and Globalization: The Current Picture

In Focus: AIDS and Globalization

The Global Fight against Infectious Disease: Current Challenges

Conclusion

The Gendered World

Introduction

Defining Our Terms

Gender, Poverty, and Development

In Focus: Microcredit

Labor and Migration

Human Security and Human Rights

Education and Health

Conclusion

Information and Communication Technologies

Introduction

Information and Communication Technologies

The Information Age

Networked: The Impact of the Internet

The Digital Divide

In Focus: Internet Censorship

New Media

Conclusion

War and Violent Conflict

Introduction

When Does Violent Conflict become War?

Types of War and Violent Conflict

In Focus: Geno/Politicide Risk Factors

War and Pre-history

The History of War

Causes of War

Ethical and Legal Dimensions of War

In Focus: Private Military Companies

The Costs of War

Conclusion

Peace

Introduction

What Constitutes Peace? Defining Our Terms

Origins of the Modern Peace Movement

Waging Peace

Global Connections: The Personal Dimension of Peace

In Focus: United Fruit

Conclusion

Glossary

Index

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