Book excerpt: This text is widely acknowledged to be the best available introduction to the study of the international economy as a mechanism for diffusing modern economic growth between nations. Updating the story to the present day, this edition covers the latest developments in international economics. Significant new additions include: * globalization and the world economy * the growth of regional trading blocs * globalization and financial crisis in Asia * transition to the market in post-communist economies Packed with new references and data, The Growth of the International Economy is an indispensable guide to the world economy as it enters the new millennium.