The stimulating essays in this remarkably comprehensive collection cover important global trends, present intriguing theoretical perspectives, and take sides in current debates on globalization. Many illustrate what Ritzer calls the globophobic thrust in recent work on the subject. This volume is required reading for serious students of globalization. Frank J. Lechner, Emory University This is a thoroughly collated, unique combination of encyclopaedic surveys of the major controversies that split/unite the on-going debate on the origins, dynamics and the prospects of globalization, with illuminating case studies exploring the diverse impacts of globalizing pressures on contemporary life in all parts of the planet. An exceptionally useful reference, gathering under one cover texts otherwise difficult to access and seldom considered together. Zygmunt Bauman, University of Leeds and University of Warsaw The stimulating essays in this remarkably comprehensive collection cover important global trends, present intriguing theoretical perspectives, and take sides in current debates on globalization. Many illustrate what Ritzer calls the globophobic thrust in recent work on the subject. This volume is required reading for serious students of globalization. Frank J. Lechner, Emory University This is a thoroughly collated, unique combination of encyclopaedic surveys of the major controversies that split/unite the on-going debate on the origins, dynamics and the prospects of globalization, with illuminating case studies exploring the diverse impacts of globalizing pressures on contemporary life in all parts of the planet. An exceptionally useful reference, gathering under one cover texts otherwise difficult to access and seldom considered together. Zygmunt Bauman, University of Leeds and University of Warsaw