The author professes that this edition is a complete reworking of previous texts, totally updated and more focused on strategic perspectives and less on evaluating alternate theories than in the past. He posits that international politics are the byproducts of both leaders and their countries' institutions Using empirical data and methodologies, Bueno de Mesquita analyzes world politics and offers students background and concepts that will help them better understand the intricacies of international affairs. Annotation ⓒ2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)