Global Political Economy: Evolution and Dynamics - Softcover

O'Brien, Robert; Williams, Marc

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1137523115 ISBN 13: 9781137523112

Publisher: Red Globe Press, 2016

Synopsis

This fully revised fifth edition continues to offer the authoritative introduction to today’s global political economy and its historical context. O'Brien and Williams move beyond the traditional three-paradigm perspective to show how these theories can be applied and their efficacy in tackling key developments and issues. In doing so, the authors offer an all-encompassing analysis of the multiple theories, themes, and issues to create a comprehensive guide to the topic.

The authors first trace the evolution of the global economy from its roots in fifteenth century through the Industrial Revolution, to the post-1945 world order. They then proceed to explore in more detail the dynamics of today's global political economy, providing systematic coverage of the key spheres of activity, from trade, production and finance to social divisions, development, the environment, ideas, security and governance.  This edition includes new material on the Greek financial crisis and the changing role of the BRICS countries in global governance, as these developments upset the dominance of the US and Europe in the world economy today.

Supported by multiple boxed exhibits, further reading links, and a fully-featured companion website, this text is designed to be as accessible as possible. Online, students will find essay and multiple choice questions, podcasts and videos, timelines, and other materials to help consolidate learning. 

New to this Edition:
- Up to date coverage of the Greek financial crisis and the rise of BRICs
- Changes in international security
-  International efforts to address climate change

About this title

About the Authors

Robert O'Brien is Professor of Political Science at McMaster University, Canada.

Marc Williams is Professor of International Relations, at The University of New South Wales, Australia.

From the Back Cover

The landscape of the world economy has been significantly reshaped in recent years. The global economic crisis revealed the fragile foundations of the international financial system, and, in its wake, dynamics of economic power have considerably adjusted. In the fifth edition of this best-selling text, these developments are incorporated into a comprehensive introduction to the global political economy. It takes full account of the emergence of China as a contender to the predominance of the US, of the changing role of the BRICS economies more generally, and of the on-going problems of the European Union, and especially the eurozone.
While incorporating the latest developments, Global Political Economy continues to provide a historically-grounded account. It traces the evolution of the global economy, from its roots in the 15th century, through the Industrial Revolution, to the post-1945 world order. It then explores in detail the dynamics of global political economy in the 21st century, providing systematic coverage of the key spheres of activity – trade, production, finance, labour, gender, development, the environment, ideas, security and governance.

Lucid, engaging and authoritative, Global Political Economy introduces an unusually wide range of theoretical approaches, moving beyond a traditional three-paradigm perspective to show how these theories can be applied and how useful they are for understanding key issues and developments.

Edition details

• Publisher: Red Globe Press
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1137523115
• ISBN 13: 9781137523112
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 376