In 1995 rugby union finally became a professional sport following more than a century as an amateur game. This book offers a critical analysis of the sport in the professional era and assesses the relationship between the local and the global in contemporary rugby union.

This book analyses the present global financial and economic crisis, the most severe in nearly a century, and a wider set of multiple and converging crises with aspects and repercussions that go well beyond the current economic climate. Written by some of the world's leading international scholars in the field of Globalization studies and related disciplines, this important collection addresses numerous key aspects of the relationship between Globalization and global crises, past, present, and future. It sheds new light and understanding on the concept and theory of Globalization and of 'crisis'. The authors explore such issues as global finance and financial regulation, neoliberal ideology and policy, the 'crisis of globalization', the decline of Western hegemony, world systemic crisis, the moral crisis of 'Western capitalism', environmental and climate change crises, world order, hyper-violence and the international system, a crisis of the 'global modern' and a global civilisational and hostpric crisis, the rise of the global South, the historical dialectics of capital and social responses to crisis, the future of capitalism and the prospects for transformative alternatives. This book was published as a special issue of Globalizations.

Are established economic, social and political practices capable of dealing with the combined crises of climate change and the global economic system? Will falling back on the wisdoms that contributed to the crisis help us to find ways forward or simply reconfigure risk in another guise? This volume argues that the combination of global environmental change and global economic restructuring require a re-thinking of the priorities, processes and underlying values that shape contemporary development aspirations and policy.

This volume brings together leading scholars to address these questions from several disciplinary perspectives: environmental sociology, human geography, international development, systems thinking, political sciences, philosophy, economics and policy/management science. The book is divided into four sections that examine contemporary development discourses and practices. It bridges geographical and disciplinary divides and includes chapters on innovative governance that confront unsustainable economic and environmental relations in both developing and developed contexts. It emphasises the ways in which dominant development paths have necessarily forced a separation of individuals from nature, but also from society and even from self . These three levels of alienation each form a thread that runs through the book. There are different levels and opportunities for a transition towards resilience, raising questions surrounding identity, governance and ecological management. This places resilience at the heart of the contemporary crisis of capitalism, and speaks to the relationship between the increasingly global forms of economic development and the difficulties in framing solutions to the environmental problems that carbon-based development brings in its wake.. Existing social science can help in not only identifying the challenges but also potential pathways for making change locally and in wider political, economic and cultural systems, but it must do so by identifying transitions out of carbon dependency and the kind of political challenges they imply for reflexive individuals and alternative community approaches to human security and wellbeing.

Climate Change and the Crisis of Capitalism contains contributions from leading scholars to produce a rich and cohesive set of arguments, from a range of theoretical and empirical viewpoints. It analyses the problem of resilience under existing circumstances, but also goes beyond this to seek ways in which resilience can provide a better pathway and template for a more sustainable future. This volume will be of interest to both undergraduate and postgraduate students studying Human Geography, Environmental Policy, and Politics.

This book looks at anti-apartheid as part of the history of present global politics. It provides the first comparative analysis of different sections of the transnational anti-apartheid movement. The author emphasizes the importance of a historical perspective on political cultures, social movements, and global civil society. Analyzing a part of 20th century post-war history mainly from a sociological perspective it also highlights dimensions of globalization in an era in which we still live; the power of the media; and the power of collective action.

This book presents the core concepts of geographical education as a means of understanding global issues from a spatial perspective. It treats education, supported by high standards, approaches, methodologies, and resources, as essential in exploring the interactions of the world's human and environmental systems at local, regional, and global scales embedded in the nature of the discipline of geography. It covers topics such as climate change, sustainable development goals, geopolitics in an uncertain world, global crisis, and population flows, which are of great interest to geography researchers and social sciences educators who want to explore the complexity of contemporary societies. Highly respected scholars in geography education answer questions on key topics and explain how global understanding is considered in K-12 education in significant countries around the globe. The book discusses factors such as the Internet, social media, virtual globes and other technological developments that provide insights into and visualization - in real time - of the intensity of relationships between different countries and regions of the earth. It also examines how this does not always lead to empathy with other political, cultural, social and religious values: terrorism threats and armed conflicts are also essential features of the global world. This book opens the dialogue for global understanding as a great opportunity for teachers, educators, scholars and policy makers to better equip students and future citizens to deal with global issues.

Private Interest Governments were identified in the 1980s as a special form of public regulation in selected economic sectors, rivalling conventional market, state, or community-based forms of public order. This book examines how these institutional arrangements have changed since their identification. It takes into account external changes such as Europeanization, globalization, liberalization, and sector-specific developments, which have had an impact on even long-established public policies. Breakdown and Change of Private Interest Governments presents new empirical insights in changes which led to the disappearance of a prime example of neo-corporatism, a traditional form of political and economic regulation, recurring to original data for interest associations in the dairy sector of four countries, Austria, Britain, Germany and Switzerland. It discusses the empirical results and the similarities and differences between the countries with regard to external processes which were studied with a different focus in the past. Utilising a comparative country case approach and the dairy industry as a specific sector case study, Breakdown and Change of Private Interest Governments will be of interest to students and scholars of Globalization and Political Economy.

***THE WORD OF MOUTH INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER NOW UPDATED WITH 15 EXPLOSIVE NEW CHAPTERS*** False economics. Threats, bribes, extortion. Debt, deception, coups, assassinations and unbridled military power. These are the tools used by the 'corporatocracy' - a vast network of corporations, banks, colluding governments and rich and powerful individuals - to ensure that they retain and expand their wealth and influence, growing richer and richer as the poor become poorer. In his original, post 9/11 book, John Perkins revealed how he was recruited as an economic hit man in the 1970s, and exposed the corrupt methods American corporations use to spread their influence in the developing world, cheating countries out of trillions of dollars. In this new, extensively updated edition he lays bare the latest, terrifying evolution of the economic hit man, and how the system has become even more entrenched and powerful than ever before. In New Confessions of an Economic Hit Man, John Perkins provides fresh and chilling evidence of how the corporatocracy has grown its influence to every corner of the globe, making us all unwitting slaves to their regime. But he also provides advice on how we can end our unconscious support of the system and its self-serving, lethal economy. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Perkins has, once again, made a substantial contribution to a world that needs whistle-blowers to open its eyes to the true sources of political, social, and economic power" - Yanis Varoufakis "It comes from the heart. I highly recommend it." - Michael Brownstein "it's all here in toe-curling detail' - Guardian

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, it appeared that development would be defined by the neo-liberal strategy of integration into the world market. This book investigates alternative strategies for developing countries through case studies of Cuba and Vietnam, and with reference to the experience of China. The essays assess the transitions of the two countries to world market integration, with emphasis on the role of state enterprises, structural transformation, and provision of social welfare.

Contesting Global Order traces dominant values and patterns on a world level over the last half century. Including a framing introduction written for the volume, this book presents James H. Mittelman's most influential essays. It offers cross-regional analysis, drawing on his fieldwork in nine countries in Africa and Asia. This research explores mechanisms by which prevailing knowledge about global order is implicated in its deep tensions: chiefly, the impetus for development and global governance embodies aspirations for attaining wellbeing and upholding human dignity; yet market- and state-driven globalization embraces basic ideas inscribed in power, thus increasing vulnerability and making the world more insecure. Rather than exalt one element in this quandary over another, Mittelman shows how different aspects of the relationship collide. Examining cases of specific localities, international organizations, and social movements, this grounded study unveils evolving structures that shape our times. It projects scenarios for future global order and how to make it work for the have-nots. Mittelman consistently forges a critical perspective throughout this collection. His reflections cut against conventions in international studies and, more generally, global order. This volume will be of great interest to all students and practitioners of development, global governance, and globalization.

"Chinese Big Business and the Wealth of Asian Nations" examines the crucial contribution of Chinese business groups to the rapid growth of South-East Asia. This study examines major Chinese firms and their increasingly important networks in this era of regional interdependence and internationalization of production processes. It draws upon unprecedented empirical detail relating to Chinese firms, their growth patterns, joint ventures with foreign capital, and responses to technological change and competition and contributes to debates on economic networks, the economics of trus, and relations between business and the state in the global economy.

Urban development cooperation needs innovative solutions. Despite many efforts, international assistance has failed to address the challenges faced by cities in developing countries. This book seeks to raise awareness about the value of corporate social responsibility as a tool in urban development assistance.

This book is a study of the literature and visual arts concerned with the many and diverse forms of slaveries produced by globalisation in Britain since the early 1990s. Starting from the sociological and political analyses of the issue, it combines postcolonial and Holocaust studies in a twin perspective based on the recurrent images of the ghost and the concentration camp, whose manifold shapes populate today's Britain. Discussions focuses on a wide range of works: novelists and crime writers (Chris Abani, Chris Cleave, Marina Lewycka, Ian Rankin, Ruth Rendell), film directors (Nick Broomfield), photographers (Dana Popa), playwrights (Clare Bayley, Cora Bissett and Stef Smith, Abi Morgan, Lucy Kirkwood) and dystopian artists such as Alfonso Cuaron, P. D. James and Salman Rushdie. The book will appeal to both students and scholars in English, postcolonial, Holocaust, globalisation and slavery studies. -- .

This volume analyzes the politics, policy and practice of cultural heritage at the global level, identifying the major directions in which international heritage practice is moving, and exploring the key issues likely to shape the cultural heritage field well into the twenty-first century. It examines the tensions between the universal claims of much heritage practice, particularly that associated with the World Heritage system, and national and local perspectives. It explores the international legal framework developed since World War Two to protect heritage, particularly at times of war, and from theft, showing how contemporary global problems of conflict and illicit trade continue to challenge the international legal system.

Heritage and Globalisation critiques the incorporation of heritage in the world economy through the policies of international development organisations and the global tourism trade. It also approaches heritage from seldom-considered perspectives, as a form of aid, as a development paradigm, and as a form of sustainable practice.

The book identifies some of the most pressing issues likely to face the heritage industry at a global level in coming decades, including the threat posed by climate change and the need for poverty reduction. Providing a historically and theoretically rigorous approach to heritage as a form of and manifestation of globalisation, the volume's emphasis is on contemporary issues and new fields for heritage practice.

Comparing Regionalisms summarizes the UNU/WIDER international research project on the formation of world regions, and what implications this process will have for the future world order, especially for peace and development. This last volume in a series of five focuses on comparative research, covering all important regions of the world. Acknowledging the enormous variety of regional formations, the contributors nevertheless argue that a comparative approach to the dynamics of regionalization will provide important knowledge not only about the regions in question, but also about the emerging world order.

This book examines infrastructure privatization, worldwide and particularly in the United States, by investment banks as one way to promote economic growth and productivity. More specifically, it focuses on the Macquarie Group Ltd. From its modest beginnings is Australia some forty years ago Macquarie has achieved preeminence as the world's leading non-governmental operator of infrastructure assets. The infrastructure fund model pioneered by Macquarie leases (or buys) staid assets ranging from toll roads to airports, piles on debt, and reaps handsome fees.

This book analyzes the issues surrounding globalization and explores the prospects of the global economy, as well as the potential vulnerabilities. Issues covered include trade agreements, poverty and inequality, financial globalization, the environment, international economic law and threats to the future of globalization.

This text examines two major themes: the strain placed on local economic cultures and economic networks in the Southern hemisphere and Eastern Europe by global deregulation; and the success rates of both novel, locally-rooted and more traditional economic structures in their attempts to adapt to deregulation. Contributions from a variety of authors combine a "flexible specialization in clusters" approach with original empirical data. An introduction and concluding chapter by the editors brings out the common issues and conclusions.

The book argues that a successful monetary and banking reform requires: a rollback of monetary nationalism and return to monetary internationalism; trust in the banking system with its basic functions restored; a balance between competition and solidarity in order to assure political and social acceptance of globalization.

Since the turn of the millennium, resistance to the liberal project of global governance has come to occupy centre stage in global and international politics. The Battle of Seattle, the 9/11 attacks on New York and Washington and the Bush administration's ambivalent attitude towards multilateralism can all be thought of as conspicuous instances of the growing challenge to global governance. Global Governance, Conflict and Resistance provides a wide-ranging series of analyses of such challenges.

City Life from Jakarta to Dakar focuses on the politics incumbent to this process ? an "anticipatory politics" ? that encompasses a wide range of practices, calculations and economies. As such, the book is not a collection of case studies on a specific theme, not a review of developmental problems, nor does it marshal the focal cities as evidence of particular urban trends. Rather, it examines how possibilities, perhaps inherent in these cities all along, are materialized through the everyday projects of residents situated in the city and the larger world in very different ways.

"New Systems Theories of World Politics" uses systems theoretical approaches to analyze the structure and dynamics of the international system. Drawing from different systems theoretical traditions, it argues that the system of world politics can be analyzed in a comprehensive fashion by continuing the pioneering work of theorists like Karl Deutsch.

Today's analysts of world affairs are often loosely referring to 'geopolitics', but do not always clearly define it. This book therefore offers a necessary introduction into the main components of geopolitical analysis, an overview of the main geopolitical schools of thought, as well as reflections on technology and geopolitics. In addition, empirical studies showcase innovative approaches.

Despite unprecedented levels of global interconnectedness, little academic attention has been paid to how governments actively deal with the challenges globalization poses for national identity. This book investigates the Singapore Government's approach to the construction of national identity and the shifting ways in which Singapore has been imagined in official discourses. The hallmarks of Singapore's nation-building project have been the state's efforts to manage ethnic differences and ensure the economic well-being of its citizenry. Unlike other global cities which are embedded in a larger nation-state, Singapore is both a global city and a nation-state. Singapore embodies a curious contradiction: while global cities are often theorized as transient spaces, contradictorily, the nation-state needs to be bounded in order to remain viable. This book focuses on the global/national nexus: the tensions between the necessity to embrace the global to ensure economic survival, yet needing a committed population to support the perpetuation of the nation-state and its economic success. It critically explores how the government has been responding to the challenges of globalization through policy initiatives and official rhetoric to create a "space" for affective identification with the Singaporean nation-state and how Singaporeans relate to and articulate their sense of identity and belonging to Singapore within the context of globalization.

Globalization has become one of the most important topics within politics and economics. This new title explains some of the related terminology, summarizes the surrounding theories and examines the international organizations involved.

With the proliferation of communications and the rise of the multi-national corporation, the concept of globalization is vitally important to the modern political environment. The structure of the modern economy, based on information production and diffusion, has made national boundaries largely irrelevant.

A Dictionary of Globalization explains theories, philosophies and ideologies, and includes short biographies of leading activists, theorists and thinkers such as Noam Chomsky, Karl Marx and Jose Bove. Concepts, issues and terms key to the understanding of globalization also have clear and concise definitions, including democracy, civil society, non-governmental organizations and ethnicity.

Cross-referenced for ease of use, this title aims to be of great benefit to anyone studying politics or sociology. It will prove essential to public and academic libraries, as well as to businesses, government departments, embassies and journalists.