Edited by Martha Finnemore and Judith Goldstein, Back to Basics asks scholars to reflect on the role power plays in contemporary politics and how a power politics approach is influential today. In sum, this is an inspiring volume reminding us of the continued importance of state power in the contemporary world order. Just as important, it reminds us that thinking creatively and critically about international relations is indispensable if we are to understand the nature and consequences of world politics.