Approaching the issues involved from a variety of theoretical and disciplinary perspectives, the contributors address a number of important questions concerning the current form of globalisation and its future course. These include:

- does globalization involve integration on a worldwide scale or will there be a levelling off or even a reversal?

- encouraged by market forces, will privatization and deregulation of economies increase or will there be a shift in direction or even a reaction?

- will globalization lead to a new world order?

- is there an alternative to globalization?

Overall, this multi-disciplinary volume explores the tensions and dilemmas inherent in globalization, from local, national and global perspectives.