Suchergebnisse

This editorial argues that international business studies should be grounded in an integrated view of social science, which is applied systematically to analyse international business behaviour and to address global policy issues. Economic, social and political trends that impact on IB need to be analysed in detail rather than taken as given. This approach is illustrated by a case study analysis of Brexit, Trump and other populist debates. The case study integrates economic, social, political and psychological theories to analyse, from an IB perspective, the causes and consequences of populism.

PurposeThis paper aims to introduce economic history as a new stream of international business (IB) research. It offers a long-term perspective on how the IB has evolved over time, focussing on the interplay between multinational enterprise and the nation state.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses existing scholarly literature on international economic history to develop eight key propositions regarding the interface between the politics and economics of foreign direct investment (FDI).FindingsThere is a rivalry between nation states and competition between firms. These two forms of conflict interact. Nations use their leading firms as instruments of international policy while leading firms rely on political and financial support from home nations. Using historical evidence and cross-country comparisons, the paper explains has the scale and scope in IB activity have changed dramatically over time.Research limitations/implicationsThere is scope for more detailed historical studies on national policies towards inward and outward FDI.Practical implicationsIt is important to see the recent international economic policies of China in a long-run historical perspective and to appreciate the similarities between its policies and those of other countries in the past.Social implicationsMany of the potential economic gains generated by FDI may be lost through an excessive commitment of resources to the pursuit of military power as a foundation for international political power.Originality/valueThis paper challenges IB researchers to widen their horizons.