ABSTRACT
Students of world system history are seeking to shed light on long-term global processes, in great part through the reintegration of the fractured social sciences. This chapter considers intellectual cumulation, problems of method, and questions of academic praxis faced by this group. Important elements of cumulation are identified. These elements are not of a sort likely to generate lock-step interaction, and this is to be considered a strength and not a weakness. World system history also eschews the individual level of analysis and so finds itself out of step with contemporary methodological currents. Though the system level is defended, possible gains from seeking to provide microfoundational linkages are suggested. Finally we turn to the question of academic praxis. The ability of world system history to explain important social phenomena is not sufficient to ensure its survival, let alone its popularity. Specific strategies are suggested.
