by StevenK.Vogel (Editor), NaazneenH.Barma (Editor)
The Political Economy Reader combines in a single volume core writings on political economy from four social science disciplines: economics, political science, sociology, and history. Arguing that markets should be viewed as institutions that are deeply embedded in politics and society, editors Barma and Vogel combine a theoretical approach to understanding capitalism with analyses of real-world market systems around the world today.
The Reader first lays the conceptual groundwork, covering transaction costs, property rights, corporate governance systems, power relationships, social networks and cultural norms, and then turns to real-world practices and reforms. Contemporary debates focus on deregulation in advanced industrial countries, privatization in transitional economies, and liberalization in developing countries. The volume concludes with selections on the information technology revolution and globalization.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 584
Edition: 1
Publisher: Routledge
Published: 11 Sep 2007
ISBN 10: 0415954932
ISBN 13: 9780415954938
'This is a superb collection of foundational works in political economy. Rather than obeying disciplinary boundaries, Barma and Vogel accomplish what we should all aspire to: bringing together key ideas and contributions from a range of scholars interested in important theoretical and substantive questions relevant to the field of political economy. I know of no other collection that spans the theoretical and empirical range of this volume.' - David Leblang, Professor of Political Science, University of Colorado, Boulder
'It's very difficult to select 'critical' readings in political economy because there is so much terrain to cover. But Barma and Vogel have made excellent selections that can be the foundation for a graduate-level course, or a scholarly immersion into foundational perspectives. I think their organization of the writing into alternative perspectives in tension with each other will make for great discussions.' - Nicole Woolsey Biggart, Jerome J. and Elsie Suran Chair of Technology Management, Dean Graduate School of Management, University of California, Davis, USA
'This is an outstanding anthology of classic and modern writings on political economy. Indeed, other than being asked to select the readings personally to suit your own exact tastes, it is hard to envision a better collection than The Political Economy Reader...Particularly given its inclusion of a number of classic theoretical readings, the book would sit well when paired with the more recent focus of many books used to teach globalization. The interdisciplinary nature of this volume with contributions from economics, history, political science, and sociology should also appeal to anyone teaching an Introduction to International Studies course. While everyone using this book might want to change an individual reading here or there, this reader is about as good as you could ever get for comprehensive coverage of political economy in one easy volume. It is likely to become highly popular and widely adopted over the coming years.' - Scott Pegg, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, USA