This introductory-level International Relations (IR) course introduces students to the subfield where we study the entire world system. Big questions include, why do we fight wars? Who makes the rules for the world? Who benefits and who loses from trade? What is the role of the UN, the WHO, or NATO? What is the Global North and the Global South, and why does it matter? Students will use major theories and data to analyze and evaluate patterns of behavior by states (i.e., countries), international organizations, multinational corporations (MNCs), non-government organizations (NGOs), and individuals. Issue areas include security & war, economic development & poverty/inequality, finance & trade, technology, international law, human rights, public health, the environment, and more.