What the study found
The Special Issue argues that deglobalization in the early 2020s is not unprecedented. It finds that deglobalization is a periodical and uneven phenomenon, and that firms and individuals are more active in shaping it than is commonly assumed.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors say business history can provide new insights into deglobalization and uncover hidden complexities and nuances. They also identify future research needs, including a better understanding of what comes before deglobalization and when possible drivers turn into state action that causes deglobalization.
What the researchers tested
The Special Issue uses business history as a lens to study previous periods of deglobalization. It examines their different drivers, outcomes, and responses across the papers in the issue.
What worked and what didn't
The papers in the Special Issue show that historical cases reveal more complexity than a simple top-down view of deglobalization. They indicate that firms and individuals can shape deglobalization processes, while also suggesting that not every possible driver leads to state action and deglobalization.
What to keep in mind
The abstract does not give details about the individual papers, specific historical cases, or the evidence used in each study. It also does not describe limitations beyond noting open questions for future research.
Key points
- The Special Issue says the early 2020s deglobalization process has historical precedents.
- Deglobalization is described as periodical and uneven rather than uniform.
- The papers suggest firms and individuals play a more active role in shaping deglobalization than often assumed.
- Business history is presented as a way to uncover complexity and nuance in deglobalization.
- The authors call for more research on deglobalization's antecedents and on when drivers become state action.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Historical studies show deglobalization is uneven and shaped by actors
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