Customer Reviews

The Political Economy of International Relations

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(1)
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This is an extremely pertinent book for the next millenium. It is also quite popular in policy circles inside the Beltway. It is an indeispensible text for all Americans concerned with the future of international trade and the ongoing pathologies of our current trade regimes and the power relations they sustain to the detriment of the vast majority of human beings and the planet. It is thorough and scholarly throughout. While it is best read with a cup of Joe on a rainy day, it is worth the time and pays rereading many times over in light of current events. It's only shortcoming is it's neglect of the ecological dimensions of international trade and politics, nevertheless, it is a book for all who care about the human future.

Robert Gilpin's in-depth coverage of the multi-faceted world of political economy comes to fruition in tedium in the pages of this book. There is not a single author who puts together a traditional or classical view of the enviornment, international relations, economic policy, and strategy in such a comprehensive manner. Gilpin shows his true scholarly intellect of those before him and provides encouragement for those to follow.

Robert Gilpin's work is excellent addition to the study of political economics, albeit one that is starting to show its age 20 years after being written. This notwithstanding, the theoretical components of the book are mostly still valid and have been built upon by Gilpin in further works. As a matter of historical record and of economic history, it makes fascinating reading and it is especially interesting to consider the author's speculation as to the future of American hegemony prior to the fall of the Soviet Union. Obviously many of the authors fears were ill-founded, but it is interesting to note how different it could have all been. Additionally, many of the examples used, primarily dealing with the economic ascendancy of Japan, could today almost be replaced with China. It will be interesting to see whether this time it is the end of US hegemony or whether history will repeat itself.

Overall well worth the read.

Very clear and concise analysis and overview of International Political Studies.

Of course neo-conservatives and the pro-war left will chant at me that the world has changed since the US/UK entente acted bilaterally and did not approach the UN for a second resolution on Iraq. Save your breath! I've heard it all before...

When the dust settles and there is a world realignment, the realist tendencies of states will again rise to dominate IR. You can even quote me on it.

I'm sure the framers of NAFTA and the FTAA had just these ideas in mind. Students of IPE: take notes!