Rethinking the international division of labour in the context of globalisation

Critique of theories of the international division of labour which seek to explain the shift of manufacturing from advanced capitalist to developing countries. Proposes another perspective: global division of labour, involving a restructuring among world regions including their constituent units, notably states and export networks. Focuses on the interpenetration of global processes, regional dynamics and local conditions, one element being massive transfers of population to the advanced capitalist countries, producing global commodity chains which are mediated by cultural forces. Identifies trends in world order: states persist, challenged by non-state actors, unaccountable agencies and forces of economic globalisation.