Encyclopedia of Global Studies

Of course transnational topics have been studied through the lenses of many disciplines, but global studies is an emerging field of the 21st century that encompasses a broad range of issues and is developing distinctive approaches and methodologies. This four-volume reference is a first attempt to map the multifaceted topics within the field's purview and to set forth concepts, approaches, theories, and methodologies--some old, some new. To organize material, editors Anheier (sociology, Heidelberg U., Germany; and Hertie School of Governance, Berlin) and Juergensmeyer (sociology, global studies, religious studies, U. of California, Santa Barbara) identified 14 general topic areas: civil society; communications, transportation, technology; conflict and security; culture, media; demographic change; economic issues; environment and energy issues; world order; health and nutrition; historical antecedents; justice and legal issues; religions, beliefs, and ideologies; global studies; and identities. An international roster of contributors was enlisted to write essays for approximately 600 entries, most of which are two to four pages in length. Entries are signed and include references and cross references. Indexing is in the fourth volume. Annotation c2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)