globalization is one of the buzz-words in the 1990s. it points to a world in which geographic location becomes increasingly irrelevant, a vision that has aroused both hopes and fears. surprisingly, globalization is accompanied by increasing regionalization. this volume is a timely contribution to the debate on globalization and regionalism. coming from several disciplines, its contributors explore the consequences of a world with no geographical barriers. refuting simple notions of globalization, they argue that location and space will remain important dimensions of economic and social development. in view of this, the book develops a more balanced view of the tension between globalization and regionalism.