World Politics

"While traditional introductory textbooks in the field of international relations tend to focus on theory and history, the readings in World Politics: Money, Wealth, and Global Power highlight the significant but often ignored role of money and the pursuit of wealth in shaping global politics.

Topics include the role of private banks in reconstruction after WWII, the impact of soldiers-for-hire in Africa, and the profits to be made from warfare. By exploring these and other issues, students learn that world events have never truly been driven by political, philosophical, or even religious motives. Instead, the true motivations are more likely to be trade routes, natural resources, and economic power.

World Politics: Money, Wealth, and Global Power offers students a fresh perspective on international events and politics as they learn to view them through the lens of economic and financial interests and the interplay of overt and covert players. Written primarily for introductory courses in political science and international relations, the book is also an excellent resource for courses in history and economics.

Aref Naji Hassan, a native of Lebanon, completed his doctorate degree in political science at the State University of New York, Buffalo. After teaching at a number of colleges and universities he joined the faculty of St. Cloud State University in Minnesota. An associate professor in the Department of Political Science, Professor Hassan's fields of interest include comparative politics and international relations, and a regional focus on the Middle East and North Africa. His most recent presentations include "Change: It Begins with Me" at the Annual Power in Diversity Leadership Conference, and "The Arab Spring in Syria: Opportunities and Threats" for the Minnesota Political Science Association."