Historical foundations of globalization.

Historical foundations of globalization. Edited by James Foreman-Pack (1998). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar, 820 pp.

In any discourse, a general agreement is seldom a realistic objective. The goals are almost always to advance knowledge, identify the areas of progress and minefields,

highlight reasons for dissimilarities in thinking and approach, promote and stimulate new views, and devise frameworks and models for explaining current and future developments. Levy-Livermore and Foreman-Pack have sought to serve these goals in their respective monumental volumes on globalization. These volumes are collections of articles that are written to tackle issues related to globalization and the evolution of the world economy. Both volumes share two unique qualities: diversity of perspective and richness of coverage. These qualities set these volumes apart from other books that address the world economy and international business. In fact, the publication of these volumes is a significant step toward strengthening the discourse on globalization because many scholars have their doubts about the seriousness of the discourse on globalization. Rodrik (1997), for example, describes the debate about globalization as "a dialogue of the deaf." Certainly, these volumes add something new and enhance the understanding of the business and economic aspects of globalization.

Both Levy-Livermore and Foreman-Pack view globalization as a process that has intensified since 1945. Levy-Livermore considers globalization as a process "whereby national boundaries of economic activity are removed in order to allow freer access to technology, markets of inputs and goods, and a wide range of human tastes and customs, thereby facilitating a higher degree of integration of the world economy." Unlike Foreman-Pack, Levy-Livermore believes that the globalization process did not originate in the 19th century. Foreman-Pack views globalization as a historical process that ebbs and flows over a large period of time that began just before the fifth century AD in the Mediterranean civilizations. Globalization, however, did not flourish at that time. This is because globalization could not take place until logistic costs had fallen dramatically, and transportation and travel activities realized some immunity from human or animal predators.

Levy-Livermore's volume has five parts that encompass 26 chapters. These parts focus on global growth, regionalization and globalization of trade, economies in transitions, internationalization and integration of markets, and global environmental and resource problems. The first four parts are concerned mainly with trade and economic problems. The last part addresses issues of regulation/deregulation, trends in energy resources, and the environment. In all of these parts, there is a unique emphasis on trade and economies as the dynamic engines for accelerating the globalization process. The chapters offer in-depth treatments of their subject matter, rich data, and necessary insight to strengthen the globalization discourse and debate. The first part, in particular, provides a comprehensive view on the current global economic system, income inequity among regions, and the role of FDI and MNCs in the world's economic integration. Eminent scholars (e.g., Irma Adelman, Christopher Adam, Graciela Chichilnisky, George Fane along with others) have contributed to this volume by providing advanced theoretical and practical perspectives on a wide range of issues related to trade, FDI, regionalism, competition, and capital markets. Most of the contributions are timely and original.

Foreman-Pack's volume is divided in seven parts with 32 chapters. The most important features of this volume are its historical perspective and its emphasis on trade and economy in the context of international relations and social structure. The collection includes fascinating articles written in the late 19th century (e.g., Uses of the telegraph; Influence of improved transport on civilization; On the influence of the Suez Canal on Ocean Navigation; and the Flag of trade). These articles along with other articles written by prominent scholars (e.g., Jeffrey Williamson; Alfred Chandler, Alfred Plummer, Timothy Hatton, Peter Svedberg, and Charles Harley) provide a lively account of the evolution of technology, economy, society, and globalization. These articles reflect a high intellectual standard, and yet they are highly interesting and stimulating, even fascinating to read. Such rich information and historical data do not often appear under one cover. In fact, Foreman-Pack's collection provides significant material for all who are concerned with globalization and world economic integration. Furthermore, this volume overcomes certain deficiencies that characterize currently published books on globalization (e.g., Francis Fukuyama's The End of History; William Greider's One World: Ready or Not; Thomas Friedman's The Lexus and The Olive Tree). The book provides facts, analyzes data, investigates problems, and offers scholarly perspectives.

Do Levy-Livermore's and Foreman-Pack's volumes advance our understanding of globalization? The answer is certainly - yes. Indeed, both books are urgently needed not only to add rationality to the globalization discourse but also to build a sound foundation for globalization theory. In today's environment, most human and organizational activities are becoming global in nature. Individuals, organizations, and nations have recognized that globalization is a reality that creates unlimited opportunities while intensifying competition and threats. Both volumes highlight these facts and provide theoretical perspectives on the globalization process. These perspectives could have been more helpful, however, had both volumes dealt with the consequences of globalization and treated other aspects of globalization instead of focusing primarily on the economic issue. The nature of the global environment is complex and interconnected. Highlighting one aspect of it is helpful but does not provide a fully coherent and integrative treatment.

Levy-Livermore and Foreman-Pack offer students of international business and economics a new opportunity to understand the nature of the world economy, its evolution, and progress. Their work is a welcome contribution to both scholars and policy makers. Furthermore, scholars will find both volumes necessary references and rich resources that broaden insight, provoke curiosity, and stimulate thinking.

By Abbas J. Ali, Indiana University of PA.