This historical, cross-national research examines the global economic and military dynamics that have shaped the world-economy from 1820 to the present. It provides valuable insights into the nature of the global hierarchy, the relationship between economic and military power and the mechanisms of national mobility. It will also be a useful reference tool, as it provides (for the first time) a ranking of countries in the world-economy from 1900 to 1990.

This study will be of use to scholars interested in globalization, national development, international relations, world conflicts, inequality and stratification.