International Political Economy ─ The Struggle for Power and Wealth in a Globalizing World

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.

• Considers the new forms and structures of globalization.
• Examines debates over the reach and significance of globalization.
• Explores alternative models for how globalization should be governed.
• 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.
• Examines the impact of the rise of China on the global economy and the potential for war and peace.
• Examines collective efforts to fight hunger, disease and environmental threats.

• Numerous graphs and illustrations
• Key concepts for each chapter linked to a glossary
• Discussion questions
• Annotated bibliographies at the end of each chapter
• A list of acronyms
• A web site related to the text offers additional resources, 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.