This book rewrites global political economy by bringing disparate features of globalization into relation, and providing an accessible narrative of 'how we got here,' 'what's going on,' and 'what it means' from a critical vantage point.

Moving beyond a narrow definition of economics, this pioneering book advances our knowledge of global political economy and how we might critically respond to it. V. Spike Peterson clearly shows how two key features of the global economy increasingly determine everyday lives worldwide. The first is explosive growth in financial markets that shape business decision-making and public policy-making, and the second is dramatic growth in informal and flexible work arrangements that shape income-generation and family wellbeing. These developments, though widely recognized, are rarely analyzed as inextricable and interacting dimensions of globalization. Using a new theoretical model, Peterson demonstrates the interdependence of reproductive, productive and virtual economies and analyzes inequalities of race, gender, class and nation as structural features of neoliberal globalization. Presenting a methodologically plural, cross-disciplinary and well-documented account of globalization, the author integrates marginalized and disparate features of globalization to provide an accessible narrative from a postcolonial feminist vantage point.

'Aunique and valuable contribution to at least three key areas of research: international relations, international political economy, and feminist and critical studies. The book is cogently written, with sophisticated and clear explanations of Peterson's theoretical approaches and methodological choices.' Helen M. Kinsella, International Studies Review 'There is much in this book to give food for thought to us all. It challenges conventional accounts of international political economy and, most notably. it reaffirms the linkages between the reproductive and productive economies in the context of globalization.' Shirin Rai, International Feminist Review of Politics, June 2005 'I found the book to be an excellent introduction to important issues of globalization, one that also provides creative and politically sensitive ways of address in these issues.' Shirin Rai, International Feminist Review of Politics, June 2005