Now in its fourth edition, this best-selling reader in international political economy offers 31 solid articles - 15 new - by renowned scholars in political science and economics. Frieden and Lake have edited and introduced each reading with care to ensure its accessibility to students who are new to the subject. This reader continues to offer a provocative look at the postive and negative impacts of globalization.

Critical Perspectives on International Political Economy considers and revises the progress of critical thinking within IPE and engages with issues such as finance, the practices of health and work, the relevance of new social movements and the political economy of the Internet. In so doing it provides a possible map for the next stage of critical development in the study of International Political Economy.

This textbook is the perfect short introduction to the fundamental theories and issues of international political economy (IPE). Written in a concise and accessible style, the text equips students with the necessary skills and knowledge to understand this complex and fascinating area. Engaging with both classical theories and the main contemporary debates, this is the ideal starting point for the study of IPE. The text introduces students to the three main theoretical approaches in IPE: free market, institutionalist and historical materialist. The strengths and weaknesses of the theories are then illustrated by a series of fascinating applied case studies in such core areas as international trade, finance, transnational corporations, development and the environment. Combining clear historical and theoretical explanation with detailed empirical examples this is essential reading for students of international political economy, global governance and international economics.

"As an introductory text, The Global Political Economy has much to offer. It presents theoretical material clearly and concisely, offers an up-to-date review of the academic literature, and reviews a wide range of issues current in policy circles."--Thomas Ilgen, Pitzer College, Perspective.

This book is a guide to claims about the proper role of government and markets in a global economy. Moving between systematic comparison of 19 rich democracies and debate about what the United States can do to restore a more civilized, egalitarian, and fair society, Harold L. Wilensky tells us how six of these countries got on a low road to economic progress and which components of their labor-crunch strategy are uniquely American. He provides an overview of the impact of major dimensions of globalization, only one of which - the interaction of the internationalization of finance and the rapid increase in the autonomy of central banks - undermines either national sovereignty or job security, labor standards, and the welfare state. Although Wilensky views American policy and politics through the lens of globalization, he concludes that the nation-state remains the center of personal identity, social solidarity, and political action. He concentrates on what national differences mean for the well-being of nations and their people. Drawing on lessons from abroad and from America's own past successes, Wilensky shows how we can reverse our three-decade decline. He argues that, in order to get off the low road, we must overcome the myths of "moderation," the rise of the "independent voter," and a rightward shift of the electorate. He specifies a feasible domestic agenda that matches majority sentiments in all rich democracies.

Examines power and hegemony in the international political economy from the perspective of the various agents who produce its systems.

Rethinking Global Political Economy contains incisive analysis of history, linguistics, class, culture, empirical data and normative concerns. This important volume presents innovative approaches to fundamental issues in global political economy. Together they provide multiple arguments and avenues for rethinking global political economy in a time of turmoil and system transformation. It will appeal to those interested in seeing new perspectives and healthy heterodoxy in the study of political economy.