Information systems and control technologies are key to globalization and, while generally facilitating the overall trend to spatial reorganization, they also effect change through the pervasive influence of 'internal systems logic'. Thus, the author argues, the dominant institutions of states, firms and markets transform global development and are themselves transformed by key information technologies. More specifically the book identifies the key phases of modern globalization and analyses the crucial role played by different information technologies at each point in time.

Peter McMahon uses theory in political economy with writing on technological developments, and also combines cutting edge theory with historical evidence which provides a new explanation of the last two and a half centuries of global development.

This unique book will be of great interest to academics and researchers of political economy, globalization, innovation and science as well as international business scholars.