Offering the most accessible introduction to both the historical roots and the modern dynamics of today's global economy, this best-selling handbook pioneers and equips you with the essential tools to understand a scientific field that is evolving rapidly. The authors of the book – both internationally recognized experts in the field – present the breadth of issues related to the subject while also emphasizing the interaction between national and international economies, providing a historical context for the evolution of the global economy.
The current global economy faces a series of complex political challenges. Growing economic nationalism, the weakening of international governance, disruptive technological innovation, and the threat of ecological collapse are among the most significant. Beginning with the Industrial Revolution, this book traces the evolution of these dynamics by describing each stage of the changing global order up to the present day.
In conclusion, the work offers a particularly intriguing exploration of current economic dynamics, such as: trade, production, finance, labor, gender, development, environment, security, and governance.
Key features of the sixth updated edition:
- Comprehensive description of the latest trends in the global economy, from automation and the challenges facing the workforce to artificial intelligence and the development and consequences of rising inequality.
- Updated references to recent developments in global politics, such as increasing economic nationalism, the US-China trade wars, and populism.
- Extensive analysis of the ongoing challenges of the liberal international order and possible future scenarios.
- Presentation of a non-Eurocentric approach to the global economy.
This is the most authoritative text on global political economy, making it an ideal handbook, especially if you are studying at the undergraduate or graduate level in Political Science, International Relations, or any related field.
“If you are looking for an accessible and comprehensive introduction to international political economy, look no further. From its first to the current edition, O'Brien and Williams' Global Political Economy has been an excellent resource that presents key theories and empirically analyzes issues in a particularly approachable way.”
Andreas Bieler, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom
“This new edition offers an invaluable introduction to the field of global political economy that is both insightful and accessible. Readers will gain a clear understanding of the historical evolution and theoretical considerations of the field, as well as a multifaceted view of the main contemporary issues and challenges.”
Jacqueline Best, University of Ottawa, Canada
“The sixth edition of this valuable handbook continues to deliver. It is by far the most accessible work on global political economy, with explanations of complex phenomena and relevant real-world examples that are easy to understand. The authors again masterfully balance scholarly rigor with accessibility demands in this edition.”
Kelly Gerard, University of Western Australia, Australia
“Global Political Economy is a cornerstone in the teaching of International Political Economy. O'Brien and Williams continue to keep their work relevant and useful in this sixth edition. The combination of history, theoretical foundations, and contemporary issues leads (again) readers to a deep understanding of related concerns.”
Erik Andersson, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
