Snarr and Snarr (both social and political studies, Wilmington College, Ohio) present this updated collection of fifteen essays introducing readers to the background and status quo of current global issues, broken down into the major categories of conflict and security, the global economy, development, and the environment. Specific topics include: nationalism, poverty in a global economy, population and migration, and conflict over natural resources. The chapters on global security, the global economy, and health have been updated. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)