World politics : a study in international relations

This book deals with the facts that explain world events. It describes the interrelations of nations and peoples as shown by their political and military history, their power capabilities, and the instruments they use to carry out their foreign policies.

Since World War II the American people have had a greater interest in world politics than ever before. This heightened interest is the prod uct of numerous factors. Probably the most important of these factors has been the shift in the seat of world power, in which predominance over world politics has moved from western Europe to the United States and the Soviet Union. Correspondingly, the United States government has assumed a vastly increased role in world affairs. As a consequence. the problems of distant lands may affect the life of every American citi zen. This situation results from such developments as the two recent world wars, various technological advances, and changed attitudes among the leaders of the United States.