Within this general framework, sociology finds its specific subject in the ties that connect human beings accross national borders, directly or mediated by transnational institutions. In this article, globalization is studied by analyzing the density and shape of worldwide networks of relations, especially that of international trade.
Globalization is an uneven process.
States are to an unequal extent connected with the rest of the world and their relations are unevenly spread around the globe. African countries in particular are often relatively poorly and unstably connected with the international system. Although the playing field of states and other actors has global dimensions, the actual play in most cases has not. Ruud Stokvis 'Strategy and Structure of Multinationals' The strategy and structure of multinationals varies between the extremes of multi-domestic and transnational organizations. The tendency that more multinationals acquire transnational characteristics is the subject of the article.