The systems of international security have changed significantly in recent years. The conclusion of the Cold War, the emergence of new political systems, the growth of significant threats such as terrorism, and the development of new security doctrines have driven global transformation. These volumes provide detailed information on countries from every geographic region and continent on the globe, evaluating their relationship with the United States and measuring the potential security threats posed by each.The contributors have followed a standardized outline and present a concise, but detailed assessment of each country. They consider factors such as geography and history; the political systems of each state; their human rights records; the ability to maintain law and order and provide security within their own boarders; the impact of current administrations, rulers, or regimes on a nation's foreign policy; and the regional factors that often dictate local politics, in order to make their assessments.Contributors assess the ways in which factors of religion, nationalism, and globalism impact and shape not only domestic policies but also foreign policy, and, ultimately, the country's relationship to the United States. Every entry also includes an assessment of current and potential security issues and an analysis of current terrorist threats. Finally, entries conclude with a summary of current relationships with the United States. Taken in its entirety, this encyclopedia contains a wealth of information in a concise format that will serve as a valuable reference guide not only for specialists, but general readers as well.