'. . . an updated and illuminating analysis of the main forces behind the development of transnational corporations. . .' Nicola Acocella, University of Rome 'La Sapienza', Italy 'In the second edition of her authoritative book, this prominent figure in the study of transnational corporations has achieved an excellent job. . .' Wladimir Andreff, University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne, France 'Do we really need a specific theory to interpret transnational. . .corporations,. . . The answer is yeas and this brilliant and inspiring book by Grazia Ietto-Gillies explains why.' Giovanni Balcet, University of Turin, Italy '. . . Brilliant analyses and comparisons of basic theories in the field.' Mats Forsgren, Uppsala University, Sweden '. . . a truly complrehensive perspective of the development on the theory of transnational corporations. . . It is a marvellous and admirable work.' Masahiko Itaki, Ritsumeikan University, Japan '. . . offers vibrant insights on the convergence of different theoretical strands on the emergence, role and effects of transnational corporations. . .' Lucia Piscitello, Politecnico di Milano, Italy 'From my experience students like it as it enables them to capture in short time the gist of a variety of theories and offers them useful conceptual perspectives. . .' Slavo Radosevic, University College London, UK '. . . this book will be the outstanding choice.' Mohammad Yamin, The University of Manchester, UK 'This is an excellent book which dares to accomplish a challenging mission.' Antonello Zanfei, University of Urbino, Italy This comprehensive critical analysis of concepts, theories and effects relating to transnational corporations will prove to be an invaluable learning tool to post graduate and advanced undergraduate students across a broad section of disciplines including business/international business, economics, international relations, and development studies. Thoroughly revised and updated, the second edition of this highly acclaimed textbook includes new features such as deeper analysis of evolutionary theories, a discussion of Penrose and of the Network theory, and an additional chapter on innovation effects. Lecturers and researchers wishing to familiarize themselves with the theoretical developments of the subject will find this book to be an effective and informative teaching resource.