Governing the Globe: A Geopolitical Analysis is a comprehensive exploration of the forces that shape political power, global governance, international conflict, economic development, democracy, technology, and the future of world order. Written by Joel Rettinghouse, this timely and accessible work bridges political theory and real-world events, helping readers understand not only how governments function, but why nations rise, cooperate, compete, and sometimes fail.

Beginning with the foundational ideas of political thought and the evolution of the modern state, the book examines political systems, constitutional design, democracy, authoritarianism, international relations, war and peace, global institutions, human rights, political economy, climate politics, technological transformation, nationalism, populism, and the emerging challenges that will define the coming decades.