The process of globalization has brought about countless changes in societies, communities, regions and economies across the globe. It has been analyzed from many perspectives as a result and much has been written to muddy the waters of our understanding of this important concept. In going back to the real origins of the global economy, this book demonstrates that understanding this phenomenon as a, 'battle against time' will bring a new clarity to the subject.
The process of globalization was accompanied by the mastering of ‘social time’, thereby producing a progressive increase in the speed of business transactions, both in manufacturing and in services. The context is the development of international trade in western societies and the creation of business institutions to drive forward growth. The account takes a ‘long view’, beginning with early European exploration in the B.C. period, and ending with the establishment of multinational enterprises in the 20th century.
Using an impressive range of sources this unique book will be valuable reading for students and academics involved with the study of international business, economic history, business history and politics, among other disciplines.
Reviews
'Cultural historians have long debated the social consequences of the speeding up of transport and communication, while geographers have analyzed the associated ‘shrinkage’ of space. Economists, political scientists and organization theorists, meanwhile, have analyzed the implications for the coordination and governance of the economy. No-one has yet pulled all the threads together, however, so well as Luchien Karsten. This book is unique in its breadth of coverage, in terms of time, space and the issues addressed. It demonstrates the great value of a multi-disciplinary approach to the analysis of long-term global change in business and the economy.'
Mark Casson, University of Reading, UK
'Karsten book provides an excellent explanation of how the control of time and the overcoming of distances over the last centuries provided the foundations for today’s globalized world. With its straight forward style and easy language the book will help management students to understand the underlying historical forces of the globalization process while allowing history students to appreciate its economic driving forces.'
Armin Grünbacher, University of Birmingham, UK
'This is valuable reading, necessary for understanding the historical dynamics of the international economy during the last millennium, in order to achieve a more realistic view of the present globalization.'
Andrea Colli, Bocconi University, Italy
Contents
Introduction: The Co-ordination of Time Part I: Terrestrial Globalization 1. Exploring the Globe 2. The Emergence of Temporalities 3. The Age of Merchant Capitalism Part II: The Industrial Globalization 4. Time in British Industry ...