A debate that burns on

This globalisation reader stands out because it does not seek to be encyclopaedic but covers key debates. Thus, the section on political globalisation focuses on the issue of whether the role of the nation-state has changed since globalisation. Likewise, the section on economic globalisation turns largely on whether greater inequality has resulted or not, pitting Martin Wolf's positive view of globalisation against Robert Wade's trenchant critique. The sections on the role of the media in promoting cultural globalisation and the section on the role of religions bring together key positions and perspectives.

While the overall tone is probably more on the critical side, the book presents mainstream or conservative positions fairly and eloquently. The editors try to live up to their aim of showing that globalisation is both complex and contested. The main comparative advantage of this reader are its two final parts, dealing with environmentalism and counter-globalisation movements. Nicely chosen pieces, meticulously introduced and posing intelligent questions to the reader make these a good read, even for the cognoscenti.

Who is it for? Undergraduates in any discipline where "globalisation" features as a key issue.

Presentation: Excellent. Clear and crisp text. Carefully prepared.

Any extras? Some new chapters and really up-to-date introductions.

Would you recommend it? Yes. One volume covers the complexities and realities of globalisation.