This important new book offers an engaging and challenging introduction to the thorny paths of the globalization debate.

'The primary virtue of Beck's book lies in its helpful and comprehensive mapping of the various contours of the broad debates about globalization ... As would be expected from a sociologist of the stature of Beck, this is a fascinating , eclectic book where an illuminating empirical example is never very far away.' Democractization

'This introduction to the thorny path of the globalization debate aims to clarify the ambiguities of the debate, distinguish between the various types of globalization, and warn the reader of conceptual traps.' Business Horizons

Ulrich Beck is Professor of Sociology at the Ludwig-Maximilian University in Munich.

Foreword.

Introduction.

Vitual Tax-Payers.

The National State Caught between World Economy and Individualization: What is to be Done?.

The Globalization Shock: A Belated Discussion.

Part I: Dimensions, Controversies, Definitions: .

1. The World Horizon Opens Up: On the Sociology of Globalization.

2. Transnational Civil Society: How a Cosmopolitan Vision is Emerging.

3. Contours of World Society: Rival Perspectives.

Part II: Perspectives:.

4. Errors of Globalism.

5. Responses to Globalization.

6. Europe and Globalization.

Conclusion: Decline a la Carte: The Brazilianization of Europe.

Further Reading.

Index.