World-systems Analysis: An Introduction

“World-System Analysis provides a strong, readable overview of world-systems analysis and the dynamics of the modern world-system. . . . . [B]oth educators and students should find the text useful in its elaboration of social theory, contemporary social problems, economic sociology, political sociology, and the dynamics of globalization.” Warren Fincher , Teaching Sociology

“World-Systems Analysis: An Introduction reminds us of the enduring importance of this radical intellectual tradition. . . . Wallerstein’s introduction to world-systems analysis deals eloquently with epistemological shifts and explains the emergence of basic disciplinary divisions that have crystallized into the faculties and departments of most modern universities. In admirably accessible language, Wallerstein traces the emergence of modern academic disciplines (political sciences, economics, and sociology), illustrates the spread of ‘area studies’ programs, and explains the rise of the ‘development’ paradigm. . . .” Goetz Ottmann , Thesis Eleven

“Immanuel Wallerstein’s world-systems analysis represents one of the most impressive and influential achievements in the recent history of the social sciences.” Anthony Van Fossen , Australian Journal of Politics and History

"A much-appreciated corrective to trendy postmodernist assaults on comparative research, temporal trajectories, and research strategies in search of patterns. . . . This book affords a convenient introduction to such research agendas that are in need of long-term analysis." Brian J. McVeigh, H-US-Japan, H-Net Reviews

"[T]his book is an introduction to a historical analysis and a social scientific perspective that are truly extraordinary. Wallerstein had the intellectual vision to ask all the right questions in the 1960s, and he's still asking them today." Timothy Patrick Moran , Qualitative Sociology

"It is hard to disagree with Wallerstein when he writes, 'We need first of all to try to understand clearly what is going on. We need then to make our choices about the directions in which we want the world to go. And we must finally figure out how we can act in the present so that it is likely to go in the direction we prefer. We can think of these three tasks as the intellectual, the moral and the political tasks'(p. 90). The author himself makes a most interesting attempt to solve the three tasks indicated above. It makes sense for all of us to get a better understanding of it, if we share concern about the fate of the world or if at least we try to comprehend it and hence our own problems." Oleg Gabriyelyan , Review of Politics

"This is a concise and elegantly written introduction by a major historian and social theorist. Given recent interest in globalization, Wallerstein's overview is particularly timely. . . . No on interested in Wallerstein's oeuvre or in teaching world-systems theory should be without this definitive introduction for both students and general readers. Essential." D. Ashley , Choice

"Wallerstein produces both more compelling and clearly written explanations for his theory than at any time past. . . . Wallerstein successfully delivers a precise and easily understood statement of his model in the first twenty pages of his book in a way that he never previously has. This will be of great use to students and professors alike who are looking to acquaint themselves with, or teach, his theory. This new clarity will reduce the confusion surrounding his ideas that have often led critics to knock down open doors and pummel straw men of their own creation because they really did not understand the ideas Wallerstein was trying to advance. For intellectually honest critics, the theory will now be subject to scrutiny based on what it really is." Jeff Sommers , International Social Science Review