Introduction to Economic Geography

Today’s rapidly flowing global economy, hit by recession following the financial crisis of 2008/9, means the geographical economic perspective has never been more important.  An Introduction to Economic Geography comprehensively guides you through the core issues and debates of this vibrant and exciting area, whilst also exploring the range of approaches and paradigms currently invigorating the wider discipline. Rigorous and accessible, the authors demystify and enliven a crucial subject for geographical study.

Underpinned by the themes of globalisation, uneven development and place, the text explores the diversity and vitality of contemporary economic geography. It balances coverage of 'traditional' areas such as regional development and labour markets with insight into new and evolving topics like neoliberalism, consumption, creativity and alternative economic practices.

An Introduction to Economic Geography is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking courses in Economic Geography, Globalisation Studies and more broadly in Human Geography. It will also be of key interest to anyone in Planning, Business and Management Studies and Economics.

Today?s rapidly flowing global economy, hit by recession following the financial crisis of 2007/8, means the geographical economic perspective has never been more important. An Introduction to Economic Geography comprehensively guides students through the core issues and debates of this vibrant and exciting area, whilst simultaneously exploring the range of approaches and paradigms currently invigorating the wider discipline. Rigorous in approach, yet accessible in style, the authors demystify and enliven a crucial subject for geographical study.

Underpinned by the themes of globalisation, uneven development and place, the text conveys the diversity and vitality of contemporary economic geography. It balances coverage of 'traditional' areas such as regional development and labour markets with insight into new and evolving topics like neoliberalism, consumption, creativity and alternative economic practices.

In this new edition, the authors have added a new third part to the book on contemporary issues in economic geography including new chapters and materials on:

• Uneven geographies of finance
• Commodity chains and global production networks
• Creative economies
• Alternative economic geographies

Main features

• A global and balanced view is afforded through research, case studies and examples drawn from a diverse range of countries, and coverage throughout of both developed and developing countries
• An open political economy approach is supported by cultural and institutional insights that offer students a variety of perspectives on each topic and a culturally sensitive overview
• In-text features, including chapter maps, reflective questions and exercises, encourage the reader to engage with the material, test knowledge and understanding, and reflect. Dedicated boxes provide a range of lively and topical case studies and examples to illustrate wider points.
• A wide range of maps, tables and photographs illustrate and help clarify the key concepts and examples

An Introduction to Economic Geography is an essential textbook for undergraduate students taking courses in Economic Geography, Globalisation Studies and more broadly in Human Geography. It will also be of key interest to those in Planning, Business and Management Studies and Economics.

Dr Danny MacKinnon is Senior Research Fellow in the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences at the University of Glasgow.

Dr Andrew Cumbers is a Reader in the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences at the University of Glasgow.