This course is designed to introduce students to the study of world politics. It addresses the broad historical context, a range of theoretical perspectives, the core institutions and some critical issues of contemporary world politics. Three themes run through the course. The first concerns the question of agency. What role do states and other actors play in world politics? The second theme asks questions about order and justice. What are the major organising principles and ethical dilemmas of world politics? The third theme relates to questions of change and continuity. What are the enduring features and transformative forces of world politics?