An exciting and original analysis of the development of capitalist classes such as the Freemasons that cross national boundaries in the global political economy.

An exciting and original analysis of the development of capitalist classes, such as the Freemasons, that cross national boundaries in the global political economy. This innovative book focuses on: * an historical perspective on class formation under capitalism and its transnational integration * international relations between the English-speaking centre of capital and successive contender states. The author develops a broad-ranging and thorough understanding of class in the process of globalization. He does so within several theoretical frameworks shedding much light on this important topic.

'...Van der Pijl has written an interesting and scholarly book, which will undoubtedly be of interest to political scientists and to students of political science, international relations and international political economy.' - Development and Change, Vol 30 (4) October 1999'..this is an excellent analysis of historical change and the mediating role of class formation in the structuring of capital aqccumulation at the national, international, and transnational level and is essential reading for those interested in understanding the changing nature of capitalism towards the end of the twentieth century.' Royal Institute of International Affairs, Vol 75, No.2, April 1999