Readings in International Political Economy

The Readings in International Political Economy is well-balanced with all the classic texts as well as new ones. However, there is a need to boost the relevance of texts on IPE to the contemporary scene considering two key trends that affect the discipline today: international finance and the implications of information technology and e-commerce. Gilpin's much-used textbook, for instance (at least the 1987 edition), is still written within the context of 1980s economics. It is difficult to capture such an elusive subject, undoubtably, but the challenge still remains to keep up with the times and posit new theories on how such forces work on the global economy and international community. The "Readings in IPE" is a great introduction to new students in the field, but a better balance still has to be struck between the old and the new in order to sustain interest.