It has become a commonplace that there has been an information revolution, transforming both society and the economy. In 1995 the Trade Related Intellectual Property (TRIPs) agreement aimed to harmonise protection for property in knowledge throughout the global system. This book considers the contemporary disputes about the ownership of knowledge resources - as in the cases of genetically modified foods, the music industry or the internet - and the problematic nature of the TRIPs agreement. In this highly topical book, Christopher May reveals that, because of such problems, at present the balance in intellectual property rights between public good and private reward is more often than not weighted towards the latter.

The first edition established itself as one of the leading books to situate the issue of intellectual property within the discipline of International Political Economy (IPE). Since its publication, intellectual property has continued to rise up the global agenda, reflecting expanding interest in the area among policy-makers and advocacy groups, linked to the increasingly fraught politics of the global governance of IPRs. Significantly revised and updated to take account of developments within the World Trade Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization, this edition incorporates the author’s recent research on IPRs. It retains the theoretical and analytical elements of the first edition, whilst offering students and researchers a detailed analysis of how intellectual property is politically constructed, and how it is linked to the economics of knowledge and information in the contemporary global political economy. Rapidly-developing issues addressed in the work include: arguments around the implementation of the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of IPRs (TRIPs) the WIPO Development agenda and the ‘resistance’ to socialization programmes the AIDS crisis and the pharmaceutical industry Digital Rights Management This book will be of interest to students and researchers of international political economy, international relations and intellectual property law.

Dealing with the central themes and issues of the subject, this text outlines the different theoretical approaches of the global political economy, as well as engaging key contemporary debates such as worldwide trade and production.

Offering an accessible introduction to both the historical roots and the contemporary dynamics of today's world economy, the extensively revised sixth edition of this bestselling textbook continues to lead the way in equipping students with the knowledge required to make sense of the fast-paced discipline of Global Political Economy. Illustrating the breadth of the subject, the book's authors – both highly regarded experts in the field – show how the national and international interact, while also placing an emphasis on the historical evolution of the world economy in order to appreciate the nuances of today's economic structures. The global economy is traced from the Industrial Revolution through each phase of a shifting world order to the modern day. Then follows an engaging exploration of the dynamics of today's economy, including: trade, production, finance, labour, gender, development, the environment, security and governance. This takes into account the latest developments in the global economy, from automation and the challenges posed to the labour force, to artificial intelligence and the increasing complex, global supply chains of modern transnational firms. This is the most authoritative and accessible textbook on global political economy, making it the ideal companion for students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, on politics, international relations and related degrees. New to this Edition: - Extensively updated to feature the latest empirical developments, including rising economic nationalism, US trade wars with China, and populism. - Brand new boxed features illustrate the latest dynamics, including the impact of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and automation, and the growth and consequences of increasing inequality. - Greater coverage of the sustained threats to the liberal international order and likely future scenarios. Accompanying online resources for this title can be found at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/global-political-economy-6e. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.

This volume analyzes changing patterns of authority in the global political economy with an in-depth look at the new roles played by state and non-state actors, and addresses key themes including the provision of global public goods, new modes of regulation and the potential of new institutions for global governance.

The first edition established itself as one of the leading books to situate the issue of intellectual property within the discipline of International Political Economy (IPE). Since its publication, intellectual property has continued to rise up the global agenda, reflecting expanding interest in the area among policy-makers and advocacy groups, linked to the increasingly fraught politics of the global governance of IPRs. Significantly revised and updated to take account of developments within the World Trade Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization, this edition incorporate.

During the 1980s and 1990s, intellctual property rights (IPRs) were strengthened in many countries. This study examines the claims of both advocates and opponents of this policy, analyzing the economic effects of extended international protection and partial harmonization of IPRs.

Diverse contributors explore the impact of the Internet in the Asia-Pacific region.