Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on competing theoretical perspectives, because the study of International Political Economy (IPE) is far too important and multifaceted to rely on one analytic or methodological perspective alone. Globalization involves the broadening and deepening of interdependence among people and states. Modern telecommunications, logistics, and transportation have all facilitated connections across the globe. International economic management has nonetheless been primarily a North-North issue, because the DCs in North America, Western Europe, and Japan are the only states that have had the wealth and power to look after international management of the global economy.