This title was first published in 2000:  The contributors to this fully documented volume address the debate surrounding the nature, impact and desirability of the complex set of phenomena collectively referred to as 'globalization'. The book breaks new ground by showing globalization in a wide range of areas, including national and transnational corporations, welfare policies, adoption, gendered politics and democratic institutions, citizenship, religion and judicial systems. It is also a truly international volume, including studies from North and South America, Africa and Europe. The book illustrates how globalization entails localization and is best explored through the analysis of institutions. It will be of particular interest to political scientists, sociologists, lawyers and anyone interested in the continual processes of global change.