Measuring Globalisation

Globalisation is a timely and controversial topic. Against the chorus of globalisation’s proponents and detractors, the authors propose an approach for measuring globalisation and its consequences. Undertaking a comprehensive review of the literature on globalisation and using data from the MGI and KOF indices, the well-respected authors build a framework for defining globalisation and analyzing the relationships among economic, political, and social variables.

The aim of this book is to conduct a critical survey of the main tools devised for the synthetic measurement of globalization processes. To this end, the first part of the book discusses the meaning of the concept considered, highlighting the different and often contradictory interpretations put forward in its regard in the literature. Subsequently analysed are the passages and issues that must be addressed when constructing an instrument intended to measure a social phenomenon of such complexity as globalization. Stressed in particular is that the researcher’s subjectivity is repeatedly involved in these passages, so that no instrument can have objective validity. Given these premises, the book presents the principal tools employed in attempts to measure globalization, starting with those whose unit of analysis is the state. In this regard, particular space is devoted to indexes which take a multidimensional approach to the concept of globalization. There follows a comparison among the results obtained using these indexes, and criticisms are made of the ways in which the latter have been constructed. A limitation, or if one wishes a paradox, concerning such tools is that they measure in relation to states a process which has as one of its principal features the fact that it extends beyond the confines of states. For this reason, the final chapter considers whether globalization can be measured with different units of analysis – in particular people and cities. The books concludes with discussion of the general limitations of globalization indexes.

This second edition of the OECD Economic Globalisation Indicators presents a broad range of indicators on trade, foreign direct investment, the economic activity of multinational firms, and the internationalisation of technology.

This manual defines concepts and puts forward guidelines for data collection for indicators measuring globalisation's extent and intensity.

Identifies the economic activities of member countries that are under foreign control, and their contribution to growth, employment, productivity, labour compensation, research and development, technology diffusion, and trade.

This publication presents detailed data on the industrial activity of multinationals in OECD countries, highlighting their importance in 23 OECD countries for the period 2000-2004.

Cette publication présente des données détaillées sur l'activité industrielle des multinationales dans les pays de l'OCDE.