Introduction to International Political Economy

Reviews / Votes

Praise for the Seventh Edition

The seventh edition of Balaam and Dillman's text is better than ever - revised extensively to bring the coverage of both theory and events right up to the present moment. The style is lucid, and the abundant new text boxes are carefully calibrated to explain complex concepts and issues in international political economy. In a field crowded with textbooks, I can think of no better introduction to the subject.

Benjamin J. Cohen, University of California-Santa Barbara

This textbook does what few do: It provides a solid theoretical understanding for the subject while giving students insight into why it matters. Balaam and Dillman bring theory to life by demonstrating how and why the principles of political economy affect the major processes and events of our time, from Brexit to BRICS to global health to global climate. Students will embrace this insightful, engaging, and relevant text.

Robert L. Ostergard, Jr., University of Nevada-Reno

The new edition of this leading textbook offers a much sought-after sweet spot for IPE courses. Balaam and Dillman thoroughly present the key theoretical debates in the field, and issue areas from international trade to global health are updated as well as historically grounded. At the same time, the material is well-organized and very accessible to students. These are the very attributes I aspire to when teaching IPE.

Glenn R. Fong, Arizona State University Thunderbird School of Global Management

Balaam and Dillman's is the best and most comprehensive textbook for students of IPE available on the market today. This new edition's expansive discussion of Constructivist and neo-Marxist contributions to the post-financial crisis debate and the search for alternatives to the liberal economic orthodoxy is a welcome contribution. But what really makes the text unique is the breadth of topics covered: The new empirical material on Trump, fake news, China, and the refugee crisis shows how the IPE toolkit is essential to understanding major contemporary developments in the global economy; and it is the only textbook to examine the illicit economy, the political economy of the Middle East, and global health. In short, this is an absolute must-read.

Huw Macartney, University of Birmingham

This classic text's updated new edition provides a comprehensive introduction to the theories, structures, and debates that today's world economy revolves around. Refined and carefully curated to sample cutting issues such as rising populism, illicit trade, climate change, and cyber warfare, the authors strike an impressive balance in showing both the order and tumult that characterizes today's IPE in a way few texts are able to deliver.

Jeffrey Lewis, Cleveland State University

A grasp of the global political economy has become indispensable for competent analysis of domestic and international politics. In its last iteration, Balaam and Dillman's by now classic book offers a compact - yet comprehensive - shortcut into the economic and political dynamics, exploring key theoretical perspectives and policy doctrines behind matters ranging from global production networks to the refugee crisis, the current predicament of the European Union, the tempestuous effects of information technology, and the rise of China.

Albena Azmanova, University of Kent-Brussels School of International Studies

Bar none, this is the best college-level textbook introduction to IPE on the market. Its great strength is not only its contemporaneity but also in its topical breadth and depth. Most importantly, Balaam and Dillman equip students with the necessary analytical tools to apply empirically what they have learned theoretically, bequeathing them an indispensable asset in the classroom and their careers.

Lukas K. Danner, Florida International University

The authors have once again produced a comprehensive text covering central theories, institutions, and issues pertinent to understanding the international political economy. The writing is lucid and easy to follow, and it is especially appropriate for the undergraduate student without a background in the study of IPE.

Ali R. Abootalebi, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

I have been using Balaam & Dillman's Introduction to International Political Economy since its first edition: Above all, the writing is very student-accessible, and the rich and diverse Discussion Question and the Suggested Reading features are a great aid to instructors.

Aguibou Y. Yansane, San Francisco State University