This book brings together papers written by representatives from UN agencies and academics who take a fresh look at the expanding role of transnational corporations and foreign direct investment in the world economy. These papers deal with such issues as the nature and extent of globalisation, the shifting relations between transnational corporations and national economies, and the opportunities and obstacles facing policy makers in the rapidly changing global economy.

This book (1st edition published in June 2020) examines the factors behind the growth of transnational corporations (TNCs) and multinational corporations (MNCs), and how they have become a major force in the increasing interdependence of national economies through their role in international trade, investment and capital. TNCs & MNCs have undoubtedly become key players in the process of globalisation, and vital to the economic development of emerging economies during recent decades. Yet, the geography of their ownership is also changing. The domination of the USA and Europe, as home to the world's largest companies is being challenged by the emergence of powerful corporations from the newly industrialised countries of Asia, particularly South Korea, India and China.The activities of TNCs & MNCs inevitably lead to significant economic, social and environmental consequences for their host countries, as well as on their own country of origin. Both positive and negative impacts are assessed, while case studies of Apple, BP and Dyson provide additional detailed examination of the characteristics, spatial organisation, growth and impacts of three global corporations. Although they differ in their history and geographical origins, product lines and scale of operations, they share a number of common features with each other, particularly in how their growth has facilitated and exploited the opportunities arising from the process of globalisation.Nevertheless, TNCs & MNCs are not all-powerful. They too can be affected by global events outside their control, illustrated most recently by the economic fallout from worldwide lockdowns. History also suggests that, in the battle for power and influence over economies, large corporations are frequently vulnerable to unpredictable decisions from governments; including sudden tax rises, the removal of 'licences' or even the expropriation of their assets.Chapters: Characteristics & Spatial Organisation of TNCs/MNCsReasons for the Growth of TNCs/MNCsImpacts of TNCs/MNCs on Host CountriesImpacts of TNCs/MNCs on the Country of OriginRole of TNCs/MNCs & Nation States in GlobalisationCase Study of Apple Inc.Case Study of BP plcCase Study of Dyson Ltd.Numerous discussion questions and multiple-choice review questions are included, along with graphs and photos, to create a more interactive and educational experience for the reader.It will be of relevance to A Level and IB Geography teachers and students, as well as anyone with an interest in the nature and impacts of transnational & multinational corporations, and their role in the global economy.

How multinationals contribute, or don't, to global prosperity Globalization and multinational corporations have long seemed partners in the enterprise of economic growth: globalization-led prosperity was the goal, and giant corporations spanning the globe would help achieve it. In recent years, however, the notion that all economies, both developed and developing, can prosper from globalization has been called into question by political figures and has fueled a populist backlash around the world against globalization and the corporations that made it possible. In an effort to elevate the sometimes contentious public debate over the conduct and operation of multinational corporations, this edited volume examines key questions about their role, both in their home countries and in the rest of the world where they do business. Is their multinational nature an essential driver of their profits? Do U.S. and European multinationals contribute to home country employment? Do multinational firms exploit foreign workers? How do multinationals influence foreign policy? How will the rise of the digital economy and digital trade in services affect multinationals? In addressing these and similar questions, the book also examines the role that multinational corporations play in the outcomes that policymakers care about most: economic growth, jobs, inequality, and tax fairness.

Comprehensive and far-reaching study on the interaction between the trans-border activities of corporations and the Nation States in which they operate.

How multinationals contribute, or don't, to global prosperity Globalization and multinational corporations have long seemed partners in the enterprise of economic growth: globalization-led prosperity was the goal, and giant corporations spanning the globe would help achieve it. In recent years, however, the notion that all economies, both developed and developing, can prosper from globalization has been called into question by political figures and has fueled a populist backlash around the world against globalization and the corporations that made it possible. In an effort to elevate the sometimes contentious public debate over the conduct and operation of multinational corporations, this edited volume examines key questions about their role, both in their home countries and in the rest of the world where they do business. Is their multinational nature an essential driver of their profits? Do U.S. and European multinationals contribute to home country employment? Do multinational firms exploit foreign workers? How do multinationals influence foreign policy? How will the rise of the digital economy and digital trade in services affect multinationals? In addressing these and similar questions, the book also examines the role that multinational corporations play in the outcomes that policymakers care about most: economic growth, jobs, inequality, and tax fairness.

Transnational Corporations and Transnational Governance examines the different kinds of distance-related barriers related to cross-border investment. Different forms of governance, whether inside the firm or as part of its network of external relationships, have the aim of reducing uncertainty and creating a more predictable environment.

Depending on one's point of view, multinational enterprises are either the heroes or the villains of the globalized economy. Governments compete fiercely for foreign direct investment by such companies, but complain when firms go global and move their activities elsewhere. Multinationals are seen by some as threats to national identities and wealth and are accused of riding roughshod over national laws and of exploiting cheap labor. However, the debate on these companies and foreign direct investment is rarely grounded on sound economic arguments. This book brings clarity to the debate. With the contribution of other leading experts, Giorgio Barba Navaretti and Anthony Venables assess the determinants of multinationals' actions, investigating why their activity has expanded so rapidly, and why some countries have seen more such activity than others. They analyze their effects on countries that are recipients of inward investments, and on those countries that see multinational firms moving jobs abroad. The arguments are made using modern advances in economic analysis, a case study, and by drawing on the extensive empirical literature that assesses the determinants and consequences of activity by multinationals. The treatment is rigorous, yet accessible to all readers with a background in economics, whether students or professionals. Drawing out policy implications, the authors conclude that multinational enterprises are generally a force for the promotion of prosperity in the world economy.

Examines the history of UN involvement with transnational corporations and foreign direct investment

Scholars and statesmen have debated the influence of international commerce on war and peace for thousands of years. Over the centuries, analysts have generally treated the questions "Does international commerce influence security?" and "Do trade flows influence security?" as synonymous. In Producing Security, Stephen Brooks maintains that such an overarching focus on the security implications of trade once made sense but no longer does. Trade is no longer the primary means of organizing international economic transactions; rather, where and how multinational corporations (MNCs) organize their international production activities is now the key integrating force of global commerce. MNC strategies have changed in a variety of fundamental ways over the past three decades, Brooks argues, resulting in an increased geographic dispersion of production across borders. The author shows that the globalization of production has led to a series of shifts in the global security environment. It has a differential effect on security relations, in part because it does not encompass all countries and industries to the same extent. The book's findings indicate that the geographic dispersion of MNC production acts as a significant force for peace among the great powers. The author concludes that there is no basis for optimism that the globalization of production will promote peace elsewhere in the world. Indeed, he finds that it has a net negative influence on security relations among developing countries.