In the contemporary world largely shaped by globalisation, international issues, which have always been crucial, have become even more relevant for peoples' destinies, organised societies, and political institutions. This book supplies an introductory overview of 20th century international politics based on the analysis of its essential structures, its basic dynamics, and its most daunting challenges. After having described the long-term evolution of the system of international relations, the author focuses on the specific features of last century's international issues and shows how they are tightly linked to other aspects of history: geography, economics, culture, ideology, politics, religion, and military power.

Guido Formigoni teaches Contemporary History at the IULM University in Milan.