This invaluable textbook captures the profound dynamism in the international political economy. Like Lairson and Skidmores earlier work, the new book provides a sophisticated synthesis of the intersection of politics and economics, and treats the student with respect, even as it explains complicated issues or concepts. The new volume incorporates the 2008 global fiscal crisis, the full emergence of China as a global power, and the ever-changing politics of global inequality, sustainable development, and environmental diplomacy. This book will be a welcome addition to the international political economy classroom!
Gregory White, Smith College
This book is by far the most comprehensive, insightful, and accessible introduction to the rapidly expanding field of international political economy. The authors expertly draw upon both theoretical perspectives and real-world experience to offer an analysis of global political economy that is unsurpassed by any other textbook.
Francis Adams, Old Dominion University
This is probably the best comprehensive textbook treatment of the international political economy field, and ideal for an advanced course on international political economy or globalization. It provides students with needed background in political science theory and the history of globalization, and includes an excellent discussion of economic concepts necessary to study the politics of trade, finance, and development. Lairson and Skidmore then apply these concepts to the central questions of modern globalization, such as the global economic crisis of 2008, the rise of China, and environmental sustainability.
Sean D. Ehrlich, Florida State University
This is a classic in the undergraduate curriculum. Lairson and Skidmore offer a first-rate introduction to the study of international political economy that provides students with a wealth of perspective and information about the causes and consequences of globalization. Todays students will be well served to begin their analysis of the past, present, and future of global economic relations with Lairson and Skidmores excellent new edition.
Orfeo Fioretos, Temple University
International Political Economy
This text offers a rethinking of the field of international political economy in an era of growing but uneven globalization. Even as global integration advances, states play central roles as partners with the largest of global firms, as the catalysts of competitiveness and economic growth, as the creators of global institutions, and in promoting and responding to global interdependence. Indeed, the struggle for power and wealth within and among states underscores the primacy of politics in understanding current realities. At the same time, new issues and actors complicate the global agenda as it expands to address the environment, global health, and food security. By offering a clear explanation of basic concepts, contextualizing the presentation of theoretical debates, and placing current events in historical context, International Political Economy ensures students a deep understanding of how the global economy works and the ways in which globalization affects their lives and those of people around the world.
Key Content and Features
Engages debates over the reach and significance of globalization.
Examines the sources and consequences of global financial instability.
Explores the origins and consequences of global inequality.
Compares various strategies of development and state roles in competitiveness.
Discusses the role of key international economic institutions.
Considers the impact of the rise of China on the global economy and the potential for war and peace.
Illustrates collective efforts to fight hunger, disease, and environmental threats.
Includes numerous graphs and illustrations throughout and end of chapter discussion questions.
Links key concepts for each chapter to a glossary at the end of the book.
Provides a list of acronyms at the outset and annotated further readings at the end of each chapter.
Offers additional resources on a website related to the text, including a list of links to IPE-related web pages.
Thomas D. Lairson is Visiting Professor of Political Science at Jindal Global University and Emeritus Professor of Political Science at Rollins College.
David Skidmore is Professor of Political Science at Drake University.
International Political Economy
The Struggle for Power and Wealth in a Globalizing World
Thomas D. Lairson and David Skidmore
Published 2017
by Routledge
711 Third Avenue, New York, NY 10017
and by Routledge
2 Park Square, Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RN
Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group, an informa business
2017 Taylor & Francis
The right of Thomas D. Lairson and David Skidmore to be identified as authors of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with sections 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs, and Patents Act 1988.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers.
Trademark notice: Product or corporate names may be trademarks or registered trademarks, and are used only for identification and explanation without intent to infringe.
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Names: Lairson, Thomas D., author. | Skidmore, David, 1958- author.
Title: International political economy : the struggle for power and wealth in a globalizing world / Thomas D. Lairson, David Skidmore.
Description: New York, NY : Routledge, 2017. | Earlier edition: 2003. | Includes index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016027236| ISBN 9781138228122 (hardback) | ISBN 9780415829618 (pbk.) | ISBN 9780203648926 (ebook)
Subjects: LCSH: International economic relationsHistory. | GlobalizationEconomic aspects.
Classification: LCC HF1359 .L35 2017 | DDC 337dc23
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016027236
ISBN: 9781138228122 (hbk)
ISBN: 9780415829618 (pbk)
ISBN: 9780203648926 (ebk)
Typeset in Sabon
by RefineCatch Limited, Bungay, Suffolk
Visit the eResources: www.routledge.com/9780415829618
Table of Contents
Preface
List of Acronyms
PART I
Politics and Economics
International Political Economy
Basic Concepts for International Political Economy
Globalization and Governance
The Political Origins of a Global Economy: Power and Markets
PART II
Contemporary Globalization
The Political Economy of Global Production and Exchange
Wealth, Poverty, and Inequality
The Political Economy of Global Finance: States, Firms, and Markets
States and the Dynamics of Global Economic Competition
Power, Wealth, and Interdependence in an Era of Advanced Globalization
PART III
Sustainability
Population, Hunger, Food, and Health
Sustainability and the Environment
Conclusion: The International Political Economy of Globalization
