International Political Economy in the 21st Century: Contemporary Issues and Analyses - Softcover

In this comprehensive and accessible introduction to the field, the authors consider traditional and alternative approaches to IPE, elucidating key concepts, assumptions and the intellectual and historical context in which they arose and developed – making clear at all times their relevance to issues from trade finance and government, to environment, technology, development and culture.

The style of this book encourages independent reflection and critical thinking. Each chapter relates theoretical analysis to contemporary issues, by way of giving the student a better understanding of the theory, and also demonstrating the value of theory in the real world.

?Balancing an account of the real global political economy with discussion of how best to understand its contours, this excellent, theoretically informed, historically grounded entry level textbook ensures that students will build their further exploration of IPE on firm foundations.?
?Christopher May, Professor of Political Economy, Lancaster University

?This is a very useful and engaging textbook for students of international political economy which provides new insights and informative analysis of various theoretical approaches and key policy issues.?
?Rachel Turner, Honorary Research Fellow in the Research Institute for Law, Politics and Justice, Keele University

No approach to world affairs in the 21st century can afford to ignore the impact that processes of globalisation are having on governments, economies, cultures and individuals. An understanding of the theories that underpin International Political Economy, and their practical applications, is therefore crucial to the study of international relations, politics, development and economics.

In this comprehensive and accessible introduction to the field, the authors consider traditional and alternative approaches to IPE, elucidating key concepts, assumptions and the intellectual and historical context in which they arose and developed ? making clear at all times their relevance to issues from trade finance and government, to environment, technology, development and culture.

The style of this book encourages independent reflection and critical thinking. Each chapter relates theoretical analysis to contemporary issues, by way of giving the student a better understanding of the theory, and also demonstrating the value of theory in the real world.

Key features:

• Boxed features providing information on key concepts and thinkers
• Case studies demonstrating the relevance of theory to real-world situations
• Reflective questions
• Chapter summaries
• Suggestions for further reading
• Online resources

About the authors

Roy Smith is Lecturer and Programme Leader for MA International Development at Nottingham Trent University. His teaching focuses on the political economy of small island states with a regional emphasis on the Pacific.

Imad El-Anis is Lecturer and Programme Leader for BA (Hons) International Relations at Nottingham Trent University. He specialises in IR and IPE theory and the international relations of the Middle East and North Africa.

Christopher Farrands is Lecturer and Programme Leader for MA International Relations and Nottingham Trent University. His specialities include IR and IPE theory, foreign policy analysis, the international relations of Europe, energy security and technology.