Dynamics of International Business

Andrea Colli is Professor of Economic History at Bocconi University, Italy

• Section 1: International Trade Before the Industrial Revolution: Macro Trends and Micro Structures 1. International business before the Industrial Revolution: importance and range 2. International business before the Industrial Revolution: strategies and structures Section 2: The Age of Companies. International Business from the Modern Era to the Industrial Revolution 3. The age of companies: new actors in international business 4. Privileged companies as early multinationals: strategies and structures Section 3: International Business in the First Industrial Revolution (1800s-1870s) 5. International business in the First Industrial Revolution: the macro-framework 6. International business in the First Industrial Revolution: strategies and structures of the early multinationals Section 4: International Business in the First Global Economy (1870s-1914): The Rise of the Modern Multinational 7. Technology and international business in an age of globalisation 8. Big Business and the modern multinational: strategies and structures Section 5: International Entrepreneurship Between Crisis and Rebirth (1914-1945) 9. The international economy between crisis and rebirth 10. International Business in the Age of Deglobalisation Section 6. International Business in a New Global Economy (1945-1990) 11. Rebuilding a new global economy 12. Multinational companies in the post-war international economy Section 7: International Business between Hyperglobaisation and Deglobalisation (1990-The Present) 13. From Hyperglobalisation to Slowbalisation 14. Corporate Architectures Between Globalisation and Deglobalisation

"This volume provides a rich, long-run perspective on the dynamics of globalization and deglobalization. By weaving together macroeconomic trends and micro-level case studies, Andrea Colli traces the ways in which entrepreneurs and firms have crossed borders, adapted to crises, and seized opportunities over centuries. The book is especially valuable for the way it links the past to present debates about geopolitics and corporate power. It is both a rigorous work of scholarship and a compelling read."Christina Lubinski, Professor, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark"This is a very personal, fresh new narrative that intelligently integrates theories of international studies, and organization, in the historical description of key periods of change in world business history from medieval times to the present day. There are vivid case studies that will appeal to readers with an appetite for real history, as well as are synthetic integration of many debates and theories for audiences that want analysis and concepts. A welcome, much needed contribution that should be required reading in any international business history course."Paloma Fernández Pérez, Professor, University of Barcelona, Spain"Andrea Colli has skilfully produced an innovative book which brings together the role of markets, firms, and entrepreneurs to explain the past and current challenges and dynamics of international business in the global economy. By tracing waves of globalisation and de-globalisation over centuries, it offers fresh insights into continuity, resilience, and change, making it an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in economic and business history."Teresa Da Silva Lopes, Professor, University of York, UK.Praise for the first edition:"Andrea Colli has written a splendid history of the multinational enterprise from medieval Europe to present day business. Practically every chapter has a case study illustrating the theme of the chapter. These case studies accent the evolving forms of multinational enterprise through the centuries. Colli shows with great skill how the organizational and administrative forms of multinational enterprise have altered through time. His book puts the multinational enterprise into the context of the changing world order."Mira Wilkins, Florida International University, USA"A convincing presentation of the historical roots of today’s most dynamic economic actor: International business. Colli has understood how to combine major trends with illustrative detail. A masterpiece of economic history."Harm G. Schröter, University of Bergen, Norway"This is the textbook I was looking for when I set up a new history course on International Business and Nation States. It gives the students a much-needed long-term perspective on the development of international business."Ben Wubs, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands