Introduction To International Political Economy

A complete and accessible overview of how politics and economics collide in a global context This text surveys the theories, institutions, and relationships that characterize IPE and highlights them in a diverse range of regional and transnational issues. The bestseller in the field, Introduction to International Political Economy positions students to critically evaluate the global economy and to appreciate the personal impact of political, economic, and social forces.

This book, now in its second edition, provides a comprehensive and up to date survey of the field of International Political Economy. Although the subject’s roots go far back, the modern field has developed along sharply divergent paths followed by different clusters of scholars. Today there are multiple versions of IPE, each with its own distinct personality. This book illuminates the full array of analytical styles and traditions to be found across the globe in this rich field of study.

This book provides an overview of the dynamics of the contemporary global political economy, with an emphasis on explaining these dynamics in both theoretical and practical terms. It opens with a chapter on exactly what the study of IPE entails, looking at the way in which politics and economics interact, the relationship between domestic and international factors, and the role of the state. Watson goes on to outline the major theoretical approaches to IPE, from the traditional theories including liberalism and Marxism, to alternative theories including rational choice and new institutionalism. In Part Two, she outlines the major policy issues characterizing IPE, and in Part Three, she looks at case studies to illustrate the theoretical points she has made. These include the world trade negotiations at Seattle, a description of the reasons for growth in regional integration arrangements such as the EU, and a discussion of the impact of capital flight.

This book allows readers unfamiliar with the international political economy to go from 0 to 60 mph: it is a comprehensive yet reader-friendly exploration of the theoretical perspectives of IPE, an investigation of security, trade, finance, and knowledge, and a discussion of current global issues. Sound organization and a wealth of current and historical examples and case studies allow readers to develop an understanding and an appreciation of the relevance of IPE in their daily lives.With much broader coverage than any other book of its kind on the market,Introduction to International Political Economydiscusses the historical aspects of the subject; international finance; the global security structure; knowledge and technology; state-market tensions; North and South; the human connection; transnational corporations; and global problems.An excellent read and reference resource for anyone interested or involved in politics, international relations, and economics.

Updated in a new 5th edition, this book offers a complete and accessible overview of how politics and economics collide in a global context. It surveys the theories, institutions, and relationships that characterize IPE and highlights them in a diverse range of regional and transnational issues. The bestseller in the field, Introduction to International Political Economy positions readers to critically evaluate the global economy and to appreciate the personal impact of political, economic, and social forces.

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 web site related to the text, including a list of links to IPE-related web pages.

This book provides a comprehensive introduction to international political economy and to the different trade and financial issues in the contemporary international system. The modern international political economy is characterized by globalization of production and finance. This book explains the growth and consequences of globalization from a historical and evolutionary perspective. It explores not only the long-standing issues of trade protectionism and financial stability, but also the newer issues of international labor standards, liberalization of investment regulations, and environmental protection. One of the greatest challenges of financial globalization is the potential for destabilizing national economies through a rapid outflow of capital, as seen recently in East Asia. In this book, the East Asian currency and debt crises are examined in relation to earlier crises in Latin America in the early 1980s and in Mexico in the mid-1990s. It will help readers to understand how politics and economics interact to produce the rules and structures of international political economy, and also to better appreciate the contemporary issues, crises, and challenges in international political economy.