Contemporary capitalism has disrupted the conventional pattern of revolutionary upheaval, civil wars, and pacification in Central America. In this timely study, William Robinson maps the likely shape of change in the region. This book is likely to unsettle policy-makers in Washington but will become a point of reference for both scholars and activists peering into the future.

Beyond his focus on Central America, Robinson provides a critical framework for understanding development and social change in other regions of the world in the age of globalization. Demonstrating how the very forces of capitalism have brought into being new social agents and political actors unlikely to acquiesce in the face of the emerging order, Transnational Conflicts shows why the Isthmus, along with other regions, is likely to return to the headlines in the near future.

“Original and thought-provoking . . . likely to have a profound impact on studies of -globalization.” … Patricia -Fernandez--Kelly, Senior Lecturer in Sociology, Princeton -University

“This book operates at multiple levels. It is a detailed and original contribution to the study of Central America. And by positioning Central America in a broader historical and structural framing, Robinson also makes a major contribution to our understanding of global capitalism. Through it all, the narrative never loses track of the human actors involved. Complex and brilliant! … Saskia Sassen, University of Chicago

“Offers an important tool to academics, policy analysts, and particularly those interested in case studies of globalization.”
… Manuel Orozco, Program Director for Central America Inter--American Dialogue

William Robinson is Assistant Professor of Sociology at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is the author of several books, including David and Goliath: The US War Against Nicaragua and A Theory of Global Capitalism (forthcoming).
 Publication
Sept. 2003

396 paqes

Cloth
1 85984 547 9
£54 / US$65 / CAN$100

Paper
1 85984 439 1
£18 / US$26 / CAN$39