Discover the intricate tapestry of international politics and governance with this book. The book delves into the diverse nature of globally significant actors and systems across multiple regions. From Africa to Asia, Europe to the Middle East, this collection of thought-provoking case studies explores the role of regional actors in the international system.

Combining theoretical innovation with empirical analysis, this volume expands the boundaries of International Relations (IR) and Area Studies (AS), showcasing their interconnections throughout history and in contemporary contexts. Through illuminating case studies drawn from the fields of "Comparative Regionalism" and "Non-Western IR Theory," the book sheds light on pressing international events. Unpacking complex questions, the contributors examine the application of IR scholarship to global events and provide fresh insights into political dynamics, conflicts, and state instability across various regions. By offering a comparative perspective on threats, political contestation, and security policies, this book challenges existing perspectives and enriches the debate.

With its methodological and epistemological explorations, this book is an indispensable resource for scholars and students of international relations and security studies, as well as researchers focusing on specific world areas. Embark on a captivating journey through the multifaceted landscape of global affairs.

Silvia D'Amato is an Assistant Professor at the Institute of Security and Global Affairs (ISGA) at Leiden University (The Netherlands), part of the research groups Terrorism and Political Violence and War, Peace and Justice. Prior to joining Leiden University, she was Max Weber Fellow at the European University Institute as well as Adjunct Professor and interim Academic Coordinator for the James Madison University MA EUPS Program in Florence. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the Scuola Normale Superiore.

Matteo Dian is Associate Professor at the Department of Political and Social Sciences at the University of Bologna (Italy). Previously, he held research and teaching positions at the University of Bologna, University of Oxford, London School of Economics and Political Science, the European University Institute and Ca' Foscari University in Venice. He earned his Ph.D. at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Florence.

Alessandra Russo is Senior Researcher/Assistant Professor in International Relations and Security Studies at the University of Trento (Italy). She held postdoctoral research positions in Italy, France, and Belgium and have been awarded two personal grants for carrying out multi-year research projects, respectively, on "International Determinants in the Production of Regional Counter-crime Norms, Policies and Practices" and "Countering Terrorism, Radicalisation, Extremism: EU's Schemes and Local Responses".

Chapter 1. Bridging the gaps between International Relations and Area Studies (Silvia D'Amato).- Chapter 2. Global and Post-Western IR, area studies, and the rise of China. Promises and limits (Matteo Dian).- Chapter 3. Africa in the study of International Relations: the (double) realist bias of Global IR (Luca Raineri).- Chapter 4. Middle Eastern Studies and International Relations: towards a transformative dialogue? (Irene Costantini).- Chapter 5. Regionalisms as a middle-path between Area Studies and IR. A political sociology of Central American regionalism (Kevin Parthenay).- Chapter 6. Connecting the local and the global: how International Practice Theory can become a fruitful trading zone for International Relations and Area Studies scholars (Chiara De Franco).- Chapter 7. International Relations in the margins. Education for peace, education against extremism in Kosovo (Ervjola Selenica).- Chapter 8. Political Ecologies of Landmines in the Borderlands of Myanmar (Francesco Buscemi).- Chapter 9. Dyadic approach and quantitative analysis: easing the dialogue between IR and Area Studies (Paolo Rosa).- Chapter 10. In lieu of a conclusion: the ongoingness of a debate (Silvia D'Amato)