Vanishing Borders

First published in 1998, the contributors to this book deal with the issue of vanishing borders from various perspectives, some emphasising the economic, others the political or social impacts of global interdependence and integration. Considering the enormous changes which have taken place including the end of the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and increasing Globalisation, the chapters within present a fairly holistic and exciting discussion of the new world order of the 21st century.

National governments are ill-equipped for tackling transnational environmental problems, from ozone depletion to soaring trade in commodities like timber and shrimp. As these issues climb higher on the political agenda, industrial and developing countries are on a collision course over climate change and water shortages. Goods, money, microbes, pollution, people and ideas are crossing global boundaries evermore frequently. The implications for our future and for the health of the planet are profound. This text describes what we need to do to cope with the challenge.

This book examines the emerging trends in vanishing borders of urban local government finance due to uncertain local tax and expenditure regimes. It analyzes the global developments with illustrations from state budgetary operations of the Indian federation. This trend has gained momentum due to concentration of population in cities and big towns as a consequence of globalization, leading to enhanced environmental vulnerability due to climate change. Expanding expenditure needs have not been corresponded by revenue regimes and transfers. Moreover, involving corporate sector in local area preference initiatives through mandatory corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an interesting development. It is expected to work as a local fiscal additionality to supplement locally provided civic and infrastructure services. This additionality may also evolve into public private partnerships at the local level. Such development however has the potential of displacing local government operations. The focus of the book hinges around critically examining setbacks to fiscal decentralization and challenges in improving the status of urban local finances to enhance fiscal autonomy of these governments, particularly in Indian scenario. The book also explores the possibility of an expanded role of local fiscal policy in the context of globalization and climate change, besides addressing the conventional responsibilities with respect to quality of civic services.

The world is shrinking faster than ever. Goods, money, microbes, pollution, people and ideas are crossing boundaries ever more frequently. The implications for our future and for the health of the planet are profound. Vanishing Borders outlines the ecological challenges posed and then goes on to define the necessary strategies for tackling them. Presently, national governments are singularly ill-equipped for tackling transitional environmental problems-from ozone depletion to soaring trade in commodities such as timbre- problems which are climbing ever higher on the international political agenda. Industrial and developing countries are on a collision course over climate change, and water shortages are creating tensions in several parts of the world. The author argues that only a worldwide commitment to strengthening treaties and institutions needed to integrate ecological considerations into the rules of global commerce holds out hope. Over 200 international environmental treaties exist but most need more stringent conditions and enforcement, and continuing support from NGO and business communities. Significantly, the digital revolution, integral in itself to processes to globalization, offers channels through which powerful coalitions can effect change. The book provides a compelling and accessible analysis and a clear plan of action in pursuit of environmental stability. Originally published in 2000

Since 1985, the process of European unification has accelerated. Physical, technical, and fiscal barriers that separate the 12 countries are being removed, creating the largest mass market in the world. However, the market is not a homogeneous one. Cultural differences still exist; language barriers remain. If there is a Euro-retailer it will be a Euro-retailer that communicates in many languages, anticipates the unique tastes of countless cultures, and maximizes the economies of scale in production to offer the most attractive and unique merchandise at competitive price points. Distribution logistics within each country are presented along with case studies of major retailers. Internationalization strategies and strategic alliances of retail companies are analyzed. The return of German retailers to the former GDR and distribution opportunities within Eastern Europe are highlighted. Extensive use of on-line financial reports produced by major security offices provide the most current information about this dynamic industry.

This title was first published in 2001. The contributors to this book examine how changing political borders and disappearing obstacles in transport have led to diverging patterns of interaction between European regions, with different outcomes.trajectories are identified and analyzed.

First published in 1998, the contributors to this book deal with the issue of vanishing borders from various perspectives, some emphasising the economic, others the political or social impacts of global interdependence and integration. Considering the enormous changes which have taken place including the end of the Cold War, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and increasing Globalisation, the chapters within present a fairly holistic and exciting discussion of the new world order of the 21st century.