Encyclopedia of the Global Economy
Authors: O'Connor David E. 
Published: August 2024

There is no doubt that we live in a truly global economy. This unique resource covers a wide spectrum of concepts, people, and organizations related to economic globalization—from its origins in the quest for exotic spices in the 16th century to the debates and controversies that reflect it today. Volume 1 features over 150 entries, organized alphabetically, with definitions and descriptions, examples, photos, references, and exhibits featuring the most current data. Topical coverage includes such contemporary issues as offshore outsourcing, corporate social responsibility, child labor, and the digital divide. This volume also includes profiles of prominent economists, business leaders, and policymakers who have contributed to our understanding of globalization, as well as a timeline of major events and a glossary of key concepts and institutions. Volume 2 includes a wide array of primary documents, a data bank of world statistics on demographic and economic trends, and print and Internet resources for further research. Each document is introduced with an explanation of its context and linked to related articles in Volume 1. Cross-referenced throughout, featuring a comprehensive index, and cutting such disciplines as politics, sociology, and business, theEncyclopedia of the Global Economywill be an indispensable resource for students, teachers, businesspeople, and general readers interested in the dynamics of the global economy and its profound impact on nations, businesses, communities, and individuals.

There is no doubt that we live in a truly global economy. Japanese automobiles are manufactured in American plants and exported to Europe. The Golden Arches of McDonalds beckon to customers in over 100 countries. Skyrocketing oil prices have a ripple effect on the cost of thousands of goods worldwide. From Seattle to Genoa, protestors decry the injustices of trade agreements perceived to favor the rich countries over the poor. TheEncyclopedia of the Global Economyilluminates these issues and many more, covering a wide spectrum of concepts, people, and organizations related to economic globalization—from its origins in the quest for exotic spices in the 16th century to the debates and controversies that reflect it today.

Volume 1 features over 150 entries, organized alphabetically, with definitions and descriptions, examples, photographic illustrations, references, and exhibits featuring the most current data. Topical coverage includes international trade, foreign investment, transnational corporations, and economic and human development, highlighting such contemporary issues as offshore outsourcing, corporate social responsibility, child labor, sustainable consumption, and the digital divide. This volume also includes profiles of prominent economists, business leaders, and policymakers who have contributed to our understanding of globalization, as well as organizations, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, that work to promote it. A timeline of major events and a glossary of key concepts and institutions complement the narrative entries. Volume 2 includes a wide array of primary documents, a data bank of world statistics on demographic and economic trends, and print and Internet resources for further research. Each document is introduced with an explanation of its context and linked to related articles in Volume 1. Examples include the text of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), reports on environmental degradation and poverty reduction from the United Nations, and dozens of tables and graphs reflecting international investment, business activity, productivity, labor, and socioeconomic conditions around the world. Cross-referenced throughout, featuring a comprehensive index, and cutting across such disciplines as politics, sociology, and business, this unique reference will be an indispensable resource for students, teachers, businesspeople, and general readers interested in the dynamics of the global economy and its profound impact on nations, businesses, communities, and individuals.