The still nascent and amorphous field of global studies has occasioned many reference works lately of which this is a recent example. Because the subject remains undefined – and, indeed, defies precise definition – there is no real standard to evaluate the disparate literature on the subject. Different works focus on a variety of topics. By concentrating on social issues of transnational concern, this three‐volume set helps shape the discussion. To be sure, it is a pretentious work, sweeping in scope, which “attempts to encompass … the enormous complexity of the world in which we live” by focusing on “contemporary issues that affect societies around the world”. The editors say they have sought to achieve “appropriate geographic balance” by focusing on “representative countries or regions” in both the developed and developing world (p. xv).
The book comprises 136 alphabetically‐arranged critical essays of varying length followed by the full or partial text of selected supporting primary documents preceded by a brief introduction. Cross‐references and a bibliography, including websites, round out each entry. The last volume contains a 70‐page index and extensive bibliography (with a separate section for websites) which synthesizes the works cited in each entry. A topic finder compartmentalizes the entries, written mostly by academics, into 13 categories which typify the book's eclecticism:
- 1.
Crime and violence.
- 2.
Cultural preservation and ethnic heritage.
- 3.
Economic, financial, and trade issues.
- 4.
Energy and energy‐related issues.
- 5.
Environmental and habitat issues.
- 6.
Family, domestic, and gender issues.
- 7.
Government, politics, and international relations.
- 8.
Health and medicine issues.
- 9.
Labor and employment issues.
- 10.
Law and law enforcement issues.
- 11.
Rights issues.
- 12.
Science and technology issues.
- 13.
War and military issues.
A sampling suggests the wide and diverse range of topics addressed:
cybercrime,
antiquities theft,
corporate social responsibility,
climate change,
environmental justice,
sex tourism,
deficits and sovereign debt,
mosquito‐borne disease,
affirmative action,
prisoners and prisoner rights,
privacy,
social networking, and
defence spending.
It is interesting to compare the issues treated with those contained in Social Issues in America: An Encyclopedia (Ciment, 2006). The significant overlap suggests that many are no longer unique to the USA, but transcend national borders.
Although there are numerous works on globalization which discuss, in whole or in part, many of the same subjects, this one stands out for its explicit emphasis on social issues. In so doing, it complements, but does not supplant others. Admittedly ambitious, it, nonetheless, accomplishes what it sets out to do (i.e. address many of the major issues confronting global society). Students of global studies and international relations should find it a useful source
