With an emphasis on theoretical approaches and their application to the real world, the authors encourage readers to consider the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments presented, and the major points of contention between them. In this way, the text helps the reader to build a clear understanding of how key debates in the discipline are connected with each other and with our perceptions of developments in the contemporary world.

In addition to helpful learning features within the book, the text is accompanied by online resources designed to help students to take their learning further. These include:

For students:
- Reinforce your understanding of each chapter's key themes with short case studies
- Test your understanding and revise for exams with review questions
- Explore different theoretical debates through a series of annotated web links to reliable content
- Test your knowledge of key terminology using the flashcard glossary

For registered lecturers:
- Encourage debate and critical thinking in class with seminar resources
- Download figures from the text for use in your own teaching materials