Global Political Economy
Understanding the
International Economic Order
This book is the eagerly
awaited successor to Robert Gilpin's The Political Economy of International Relations, the
classic statement of the field of international political economy that continues to
command the attention of students, researchers, and policymakers. The world economy and
political system have changed dramatically since the 1987 book was published. The end of
the Cold War has unleashed new economic and political forces, and new regionalisms have
emerged. Computing power is increasingly an impetus to the world economy, and
technological developments have changed and are changing almost every aspect of
contemporary economic affairs. Gilpin's Global Political Economy considers each of these
developments. Reflecting a lifetime of scholarship, it offers a masterful survey of the
approaches that have been used to understand international economic relations and the
problems faced in the new economy.
Gilpin focuses on the
powerful economic, political, and technological forces that have transformed the world. He
gives particular attention to economic globalization, its real and alleged implications
for economic affairs, and the degree to which its nature, extent, and significance have
been exaggerated and misunderstood. Moreover, he demonstrates that national policies and
domestic economies remain the most critical determinants of economic affairs. The book
also stresses the importance of economic regionalism, multinational corporations, and
financial upheavals. '': v
Gilpin integrates economic
and political analysis in his discussion of "global political economy." He
employs the conventional theory of international trade, insights from the theory of
industrial organization, and endogenous growth theory. In addition, ideas from political
science, history, and other disciplines are employed to enrich understanding of the new
international economic order. This wide-ranging book is destined to become a landmark in
the field.
Global Political Economy
undertakes a comprehensive survey of major aspects of the world political economy from the
perspective of a leading 'realist' political scientist. Robert Gilpin emphasizes the
continuing importance of the state and the great impact of variations in state structure
and policy around the world. His book is an impressive attempt to synthesize economic and
political analysis to understand the forces affecting globalization, state policy, and the
results of their interaction for economic development and international trade, investment,
and finance. Robert 0. Keohane, Duke University
Robert Gilpin, the dean
of American students of international political economy, has provided us with a masterful
guide to the state of the world economy and how it can be explained. Current developments
are placed in historical and theoretical perspective. In a book that is deeply thought as
well as deeply researched and carefully argued, Gilpin has produced a landmark study.
Robert Jervis, Columbia University
Robert Gilpin is the
Eisenhower Professor of Public and International Affairs Emeritus at Princeton University.
He is the author of many books, including The Political Economy of International Relations
and The Challenge of Global Capitalism: The World Economy in the Twenty-First Century
(both Princeton).
422 pages