Widely adopted throughout the world, this definitive text comprehensively examines how the global economy works and its effects on people and places. Peter Dicken provides a balanced yet critical analysis of globalization processes and debates. The text synthesizes a wealth of data on production, distribution, consumption, and innovation, including detailed case studies of key global industries. Students learn how the global economic map is being shaped and reshaped by dynamic interactions among transnational corporations, states, consumers, labor, and civil society organizations. Useful features include nearly 250 quick-reference figures and tables. The companion website offers PowerPoint slides of the figures and tables, additional case studies and questions, annotated Web links, and more.

*Revised throughout to incorporate the latest ideas in the field; gives increased attention to global production networks as a major organizing principle.

*Addresses the current global financial crisis.

*Chapter on environmental impacts of global production networks.

*Case study chapter on the extractive industries.

*Fully updated empirical data; additional maps and charts.