World-Systems Analysis: An Introduction

World-Systems Analysis: An Introduction

In World-Systems Analysis, Immanuel Wallerstein provides a concise and accessible introduction to the comprehensive approach that he pioneered thirty years ago to understanding the history and development of the modern world. Since Wallerstein first developed world-systems analysis, it has become a widely utilized methodology within the historical social sciences and a common point of reference in discussions of globalization. Now, for the first time in one volume, Wallerstein offers a succinct summary of world-systems analysis and a clear outline of the modern world-system, describing the structures of knowledge upon which it is based, its mechanisms, and its future.Wallerstein explains the defining characteristics of world-systems analysis: its emphasis on world-systems rather than nation-states, on the need to consider historical processes as they unfold over long periods of time, and on combining within a single analytical framework bodies of knowledge usually viewed as distinct from one another—such as history, political science, economics, and sociology. He describes the world-system as a social reality comprised of interconnected nations, firms, households, classes, and identity groups of all kinds. He identifies and highlights the significance of the key moments in the evolution of the modern world-system: the development of a capitalist world-economy in the sixteenth-century, the beginning of two centuries of liberal centrism in the French Revolution of 1789, and the undermining of that centrism in the global revolts of 1968. Intended for general readers, students, and experienced practitioners alike, this book presents a complete overview of world-systems analysis by its original architect.

Title : World-Systems Analysis: An Introduction
Edition Language : English
ISBN : 9780822334422
Format Type :

    World-Systems Analysis: An Introduction Reviews

  • Kevin

    An accessible introduction to a systemic approach to political economy/geopolitics, with a heart for radical change. The Good:--World-Systems books are often in-depth tomes, so this concise (~100 page...

  • Adam

    This was my intro to Wallerstein and I've been hooked ever since. Its introductory and a quick read, so its enjoyable, but do not expect too much beyond a run over of his major ideas. Excellent are ch...

  • Mike

    This is difficult to review. The book succeeds well at its task, which is to introduce new readers to Wallerstein's concept of World System theory. And its short enough to read in a single sitting. It...

  • C. Varn

    This book is a solid introduction to Wallerstein's version of "World-Systems Analysis" which is a way of approaching political-economy that inherits quite a bit of the Marxist historical apparatus but...

  • Robert

    I came to Immanuel Wallerstein's book, World-Systems Analysis, in a surprising way: it was recommended to me by an anthropologist, who represents one species of social scientist Wallerstein would cons...

  • Francisco Dominguez

    *reads**lols**starts life over*...

  • Jeff

    It's written at an absurdly high level of abstraction, but that's what makes it all the more amazing how insightful and prescient it is. i.e., at first I was like how could you possibly derive any "la...

  • Gina

    Wallerstein has such a capacious knowledge of history that he is able to make generalizations that few could get away with and remain accurate. This short, highly readable book serves first as a lucid...

  • Nate Huston

    Only touched very briefly on this book, but I was very intrigued. I'm not sure if I agree with all of the author's premises, but I like where his head's at. Basically, Wallerstein says the world is wa...

  • Sam

    Chapter 1: Historical Origins of World-System Analysis: From Social Science Disciplines to Historical Social SciencesWallerstein introduces what World-System Analysis entails. One most prominent featu...