This book offers a clear and concise account of the key debates in the globalization literature, serving as an accessible introduction to students new to the topic. It deals even-handedly with all the various dimensions of globalization - political, economic, social and cultural - and particularly draws attention to the role of people in processes of globalization. The book's historical dimension and its multicultural focus ensure that globalization is shown neither to be an inexorable process nor one that can be equated simply with Westernization.

Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2006

Preface
Introduction
When did Globalization Begin?
Global Patterning: Systems, Structures, Fields, Networks, Webs and Flows
Globalization and the Transformation of Space and Time?
Global, National, Regional and Local: Competing or Inter-dependent?
Global Civil Society
Globalization and its Discontents
Conclusion
Bibliography

ROBERT J. HOLTON is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at Trinity College, Dublin where he previously held the Chair of Sociology. He is a leading historical sociologist and is widely published in the field of globalization. His books include the successful titles Globalization and the Nation-State, Making Globalization and Global Networks.