International Political Economy: The Struggle for Power and Wealth in a Globalizing World, Lairson Thomas D., Skidmore David

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.

Key Content and Features

• Engages debates over the reach and significance of globalization.
• 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.
• Considers the impact of the rise of China on the global economy and the potential for war and peace.
• Illustrates collective efforts to fight hunger, disease, and environmental threats.

• Includes numerous graphs and illustrations throughout and end of chapter discussion questions.
• Links key concepts for each chapter to a glossary at the end of the book.
• Provides a list of acronyms at the outset and annotated further readings at the end of each chapter.
• Offers additional resources on a web site related to the text, including a list of links to IPE-related web pages.