Transnational Corporations in the Global Economy: The Growth & Impacts of TNCs in the 21st Century

This book examines the factors behind the growth of transnational corporations (TNCs), and how they have become a major force in the increasing interdependence of national economies through their role in international trade, investment and capital. TNCs have undoubtedly become key players in the process of globalisation, and vital to the economic development of emerging economies during recent decades. Yet, the geography of TNC ownership is also changing. The domination of the USA and Europe, as origins of the world’s largest companies is being challenged by the emergence of powerful TNCs from the newly industrialised countries of Asia, particularly South Korea, India and China.

The activities of TNCs inevitably lead to significant economic, social and environmental consequences for their host countries, as well as on their own country of origin. Both positive and negative impacts are assessed, while case studies of Apple, Dyson and BP provide additional detailed examination of the characteristics, spatial organisation, growth and impacts of these particular TNCs. Although they differ in their history and geographical origins, product lines and scale of operations, they share a number of common features with each other, particularly in how their growth has facilitated and exploited the opportunities arising from the process of globalisation.

The content will support A Level Geography students following the AQA Geography Specification and studying the unit on ‘Development & Globalisation’. It will also support the OCR unit on ‘Globalisation’ and the Edexcel units on ‘Global Challenges’ and ‘Contested Planet’. In addition, it will be of relevance to many others with an interest in the nature and impacts of transnational corporations, and their role in the global economy.