This book introduces the value of a Darwinian social evolutionary approach to understanding social change. The chapters discuss several different perspectives on social evolutionary theory, and go on to link these with comparative and historical sociological theory, and two case-studies. Kerr brings together social change theory and theories on nationalism, whilst also providing concrete examples of the theories at work. The book offers a vision of rapprochement between these different areas of theory and study, and to where this could lead future studies of comparative history and sociology. As such, it should be useful to scholars and students of nationalism and social change, sociologists, political scientist and historians.

I have used the materials contained in this book extensively in a major trade-related capacity, building a technical training program for trade officials and business people in six countries in Southeast Asia to great effect. The book fills an important gap in the existing literature on the subject and links international economic policy to practical hands on international business management. It underlines the importance of understanding the increasingly complex nature of international markets and offers useful options for mitigating their risk.' - Wayne Robinson, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, CanadaThis MBA textbook provides a guide to the international institutions, both public and private, that exist to regulate and facilitate international business. William Kerr and Nicholas Perdikis explain how international business decision making should take into account the ideas and institutions that make up the international commercial environment, such as why trade theories are important to business; the ways in which governments can restrict trade; the role of international trade rules in reducing risk; the threats that anti-dumping and countervail actions pose; the pros and cons of operating multilaterally; the role of trading houses and the advantages of using private sector institutions to settle international business disputes. Key features include: - Economic theory presented in a business-friendly style; - Major arguments in international trade theory outlined and critically assessed; - An explanation of the role and rules of international organizations, such as the WTO - Barriers to trade and how they can affect competitiveness; - An exploration of the organizational choices (e.g. direct exporting, becoming a multinational, joint ventures, etc.) open to those participating in international business; and - Discussion of the international private sector arrangements which ensure payment, facilitate the movement of products and resolve disputes. This book will be essential reading for senior executives needing to familiarize themselves with the international commercial environment. It will also be an excellent resource for executive and international MBAs, as well as upper level international business students. Contents: Introduction 1. Why Study the Global Business Environment? 2. International Trade and Economic Theory 3. The Great Debate - Free Trade Versus Protectionism 4. The Search for Orderly system for Trade 5. Regional Trade Associations 6. Institutions of the Multilateral Trading System 7. Orderly Markets 8. How Countries Restrict Trade 9. Control of the Use of Trade Barriers 10. 'Fair' Trade 11. National Firms and Transnational Firms 12. Private Firms and State Trading Agencies 13. Production Firms and Trading Houses 14. Financing International Transactions 15. Moving Products Between Countries 16. The Settlement of International Disputes 17. Facing the Future 18. Issues for the International Trading System Exercise Glossary Index

This book introduces the value of a Darwinian social evolutionary approach to understanding social change. The chapters discuss several different perspectives on social evolutionary theory, and go on to link these with comparative and historical sociological theory, and two case-studies. Kerr brings together social change theory and theories on nationalism, whilst also providing concrete examples of the theories at work. The book offers a vision of rapprochement between these different areas of theory and study, and to where this could lead future studies of comparative history and sociology. As such, it should be useful to scholars and students of nationalism and social change, sociologists, political scientist and historians.

I have used the materials contained in this book extensively in a major trade-related capacity, building a technical training program for trade officials and business people in six countries in Southeast Asia to great effect. The book fills an important gap in the existing literature on the subject and links international economic policy to practical hands on international business management. It underlines the importance of understanding the increasingly complex nature of international markets and offers useful options for mitigating their risk.' - Wayne Robinson, Estey Centre for Law and Economics in International Trade, CanadaThis MBA textbook provides a guide to the international institutions, both public and private, that exist to regulate and facilitate international business. William Kerr and Nicholas Perdikis explain how international business decision making should take into account the ideas and institutions that make up the international commercial environment, such as why trade theories are important to business; the ways in which governments can restrict trade; the role of international trade rules in reducing risk; the threats that anti-dumping and countervail actions pose; the pros and cons of operating multilaterally; the role of trading houses and the advantages of using private sector institutions to settle international business disputes. Key features include: - Economic theory presented in a business-friendly style; - Major arguments in international trade theory outlined and critically assessed; - An explanation of the role and rules of international organizations, such as the WTO - Barriers to trade and how they can affect competitiveness; - An exploration of the organizational choices (e.g. direct exporting, becoming a multinational, joint ventures, etc.) open to those participating in international business; and - Discussion of the international private sector arrangements which ensure payment, facilitate the movement of products and resolve disputes. This book will be essential reading for senior executives needing to familiarize themselves with the international commercial environment. It will also be an excellent resource for executive and international MBAs, as well as upper level international business students. Contents: Introduction 1. Why Study the Global Business Environment? 2. International Trade and Economic Theory 3. The Great Debate - Free Trade Versus Protectionism 4. The Search for Orderly system for Trade 5. Regional Trade Associations 6. Institutions of the Multilateral Trading System 7. Orderly Markets 8. How Countries Restrict Trade 9. Control of the Use of Trade Barriers 10. 'Fair' Trade 11. National Firms and Transnational Firms 12. Private Firms and State Trading Agencies 13. Production Firms and Trading Houses 14. Financing International Transactions 15. Moving Products Between Countries 16. The Settlement of International Disputes 17. Facing the Future 18. Issues for the International Trading System Exercise Glossary Index

Efforts to improve food security in the developing world have been hampered due to myths surrounding GM agriculture. This book explores the theory, evidence and rhetoric of the impact of food production on the environment, and the impact of the environment on food production. The chapters address: food security and technology; expertise and opportunism; the promise of technology; the politicization of risk; industrial agriculture; the meaning of 'natural'; the potential of the local food movement; food labelling; genetic diversity in the agro-industrial era; sustainability and chemical application; plant vitality; and future prospects for food security. Each chapter includes a personal introduction from the authors about the issues at hand, followed by a detailed analysis with further references. The book considers the origins of concerns and then examines the evidence around the issues, and the impacts in terms of policy, regulation and agricultural practice. It also: - Refutes common consumer and environmental organization myths about biotechnology. - Highlights the importance of food security in both the developing and developed world. - Provides a pro-science approach to increasing food security. This book will be of interest to students and researchers in biotechnology, food security and public understanding of science, and also to policy makers, regulators and industry managers.

This book examines how government, industry and society interact to reach a level of regulation that is deemed satisfactory for the newly-emerged transformative technology that is agricultural biotechnology. It considers issues of risk and trust surrounding genetically-modified plants for the production of food and pharmaceuticals. It describes how regulations have been produced to manage, or in some cases ignore, the risks from GM products. The scope is international and the book makes a significant contribution to the literature in this growing field of interest.

Efforts to improve food security in the developing world have been hampered due to myths surrounding GM agriculture. This book explores the theory, evidence and rhetoric of the impact of food production on the environment, and the impact of the environment on food production. The chapters address: food security and technology; expertise and opportunism; the promise of technology; the politicization of risk; industrial agriculture; the meaning of 'natural'; the potential of the local food movement; food labelling; genetic diversity in the agro-industrial era; sustainability and chemical application; plant vitality; and future prospects for food security. Each chapter includes a personal introduction from the authors about the issues at hand, followed by a detailed analysis with further references. The book considers the origins of concerns and then examines the evidence around the issues, and the impacts in terms of policy, regulation and agricultural practice. It also: - Refutes common consumer and environmental organization myths about biotechnology. - Highlights the importance of food security in both the developing and developed world. - Provides a pro-science approach to increasing food security. This book will be of interest to students and researchers in biotechnology, food security and public understanding of science, and also to policy makers, regulators and industry managers.