Since the first publication of World Government in 1990, the world political stage has changed beyond all possible expectations. The end of the Cold War has seen the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the demise of communism. The Middle East has seen both the Gulf War and movements toward peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Somalia and Rwanda are suffering ethnic strife, but apartheid has been abandoned in South Africa. Against the backdrop of such major events, hundreds of other changes and developments have occurred in many nations around the globe. To reflect these changes, World Government has been thoroughly updated, with major revisions throughout. More than twenty-five maps have been modified to take into account the altered geopolitical status of various nations. Now up-to-date, the revised edition of this visually striking and clearly written volume will appeal to a wide range of readers. It is a unique reference source that will prove indispensable to students and general readers alike.