International Political Economy: The Business of War and Peace

Two perspectives dominate modern international relations theory: realism and liberalism. Realism focuses on nation-states as the principal actors in international relations. It ignores transnational actors (mostly business organizations) that are often vital to patterns of international relations. On the other hand, liberalism recognizes that transnational structures, regimes or organizations can be important, but loses sight of the business interests that create these structures. Jim Nolt's exciting and creative approach is to begin with business as the main constitutive element of modern international relations. In other words, business organizations are one of the main agents in the conduct of international relations and business concerns generate most of the enduring issues of international relations, i.e., the substance of the struggles. This may sound close to liberal transnationalism. However, the difference is that Nolt rejects its pluralist model of political struggle. This innovative new book offers a redefinition of the teaching of international political economy.