Understanding of the theories that underpin international political economy (IPE), and their practical applications, is crucial to the study of international relations, politics, development and economics.

This is a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the field, with an engaging and coherent foundation to the subject. It considers traditional and alternative approaches to IPE, and in doing so elucidates key concepts, assumptions and the intellectual and historical context in which they arose and developed. At all times, it makes clear their relevance to issues from trade, finance and government, to environment, technology, health, labour, security, migration, development and culture. The book encourages independent reflection and critical thinking through a range of in-text guiding features. In addition, each chapter presents theoretical analysis alongside contemporary issues, helping the reader to relate to the real world of IPE and to better understand how theory helps inform interpretation of it.

New to this edition:

• comprehensively updated to include key coverage of the post-2015 framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, the financial crisis and international government responses - successful or otherwise - to recent challenges;
• fully updated data, reflective questions, recommended readings, concept and example boxes, and illustrations;
• new chapters on health, migration and labour;
• additional coverage of trade theories and key contemporary issues, such as national versus human security, economic versus human development and illegal networks in global trade.

About the Author

Roy Smith is Principal Lecturer and Programme Leader for the MA in International Development at Nottingham Trent University, UK.

Imad El-Anis is Senior Lecturer and Programme Leader for the MA in International Relations at Nottingham Trent University, UK.

Christopher Farrands is Principal Lecturer in Global Studies at Nottingham Trent University, UK.

Reviews

"An indispensable core text for undergraduate students of international relations, politics and economics. The authors provide a clear overview of the main theoretical debates in IPE while surveying some of the most important global challenges of the twenty-first century." - David Humphreys, The Open University, UK.

"This new edition of International Political Economy in the 21st Century provides incisive and accessible material on the ever growing field of International Political Economy. The book recognises the importance of understanding the nexus of contemporary relations between politics and economics in making sense of major issues. The book provides the reader with substantive insight into the often dense field of International Political Economy. It is a must-read for scholars and practitioners of International Political Economy." - Paul Sheeran, University of Winchester, UK.

Book Information
ISBN 9781138808416
Author Roy Smith
Format Paperback
Page Count 340
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 657g