Global Shift: Mapping the Changing Contours of the World Economy

Abstract

Global Shift is a big book with a big history (this is the seventh edition), on a big, ever-shifting topic with a big history itself. The first edition was published in 1985 as a self-described (by the author in the Preface) one-off attempt to make sense of changing geographies of the world economy. Clearly, that attempt appealed to readers, since here we are in the seventh edition. And it is easy to see why, as this review will elucidate. Peter Dicken is a highly acclaimed Emeritus Professor of Economic Geography, School of Environment and Development, University of Manchester. The four principles that guide this volume are revealed in every chapter: (1) to be solidly empirical but not descriptive; (2) to theor-etically and broadly engage with globalization ideas; (3) to connect current events with longer term processes; and (4) to acknowledge the complexities of globalization. This reviewer would add that this book, unlike much writing on globalization, is unequivocally interdisciplinary, giving it strength and depth of insight. And it has companion websites for both students and instructors that include more than the usual sets of discussion or test questions, also a wide array of additional readings and resources. entitled and