Theories of Globalization

Theories of Globalization offers students and scholars a comprehensive and critical introduction to the concept of globalization. Barrie Axford expertly guides readers through the full range of perspectives on the topic, from international political economy to geography, global anthropology to cultural and communication studies. In so doing he draws out the common threads between competing theories, as well as pinpointing the problems that challenge our understanding of globalization. Key terms such as 'globalism' and 'globality' are carefully explained and central themes like capitalism, governance, culture and history explored in full. In assessing the contribution made by globalization theory, Axford's account also sheds new light on several crucial current issues. These range from the changing shape of democracy and citizen engagement with governance, to issues surrounding 'just war' and humane intervention, and problems relating to empire and post-colonialism. This wide-ranging and detailed new book will be essential reading for students and scholars of international politics, sociology and any area where the concept of globalization is discussed and disputed.

Acknowledgements vii Introduction 1 1 What’s in a Name? Themes, Concepts and Obfuscations 6 2 Theorizing Globalization: Political Science and Sociology 36 3 Theorizing Globalization: Geography, Anthropology and Cultural and Communication Studies 59 4 Theories of Globalization and Space 69 5 Theories of Globalization and Culture 91 6 Theories of Globalization and History 110 7 Theories of Globalization and Governance 130 8 Theories of Globalization and Capitalism 151 9 All Change: Critical Globalization Studies or a Social Science of Globality? 177 Bibliography 191 Index 223