The course is designed to familiarize learners on the nature and development of international relations and global issues. It deals with nations, states, national interest, cooperation, and conflict among states, and the role of state and non-state actors in the international system. Additionally, it explains the nature of international law, global political economy and the nexus between regionalism and globalization. It also critically examines the contemporary global issues and how the international community is trying to address them. It is organized to systematically examine international issues by employing different theories and providing concrete examples from different parts of the world. Moreover, after providing rigorous understanding of how the international system functions, it will equip learners to consciously observe and critically understand Ethiopia’s relations with the outside world. As the saying goes “think globally and act locally”.