This work brings together a collection of original essays on the contemporary study of international political economy (IPE). It provides contrasting and challenging interpretations of the study of IPE and the global political economy in general. It also exposes the reader to major issues and problems in international political economy such as European unification, U.S.-Japanese trade tensions, Africa's role in the world economy, international debt, and international financial reform.A cross-section of viewpoints provide challenging and insightful analyses of the major contemporary issues in international political economy. The volume will be of interest to scholars and students of international relations, political economy, and political science.