This innovative text explores international relations with the tools of political theory. In so doing, it contributes to and advances the idea of international political theory.

The book focuses on four key concepts – authority, rules, rights, and responsibilities – and four important topics – wealth, violence, nature and belief. In each of these areas, the book draws on key figures in political theory to explore, explain and evaluate the current global order. Chapters address such contested issues as humanitarian intervention, LGBT rights, climate change, and our collective responsibilities for alleviating global poverty. The book invites students into a conversation about international political theory, one that will help orient them in an increasingly complicated and pluralist international order.

'An impressively lucid and wide-ranging contribution to understanding political and philosophical controversies about authority, rules, rights and responsibilities in contemporary international relations.' - Andrew Linklater, Aberystwyth University 'Accessible, engaging, original and provocative, this is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the scope and significance of this increasingly prominent field of study.' - Toni Erskine, University of New South Wales 'Drawing on the works of an array of thinkers from Aristotle to the present day, this exceptional book takes on the colossal yet much-needed task of revealing the scope, purposes and richness of International Political Theory and making the case for its methodological and normative utility in understanding, challenging, and transforming the seemingly intractable challenges of contemporary international politics. Written in accessible and stylish prose, this is that rare thing - a text that is both perfectly suited for students new to the field while also providing a seminal resource for scholars.' - Brent J Steele, University of Utah

Anthony F. Lang Jr. is Professor of International Political Theory and directs the Centre for Global Constitutionalism at the University of St Andrews, UK. His previous books include Agency and Ethics: The Politics of Military Intervention (State University of New York Press, 2002) and Punishment, Justice and International Relations: Ethics and Order after the Cold War (Routledge, 2008). He has published articles, books and edited volumes on a range of topics in International Political Theory, Ethics and International Affairs, and International Legal Theory.