Globalizationthe growing integration of economies and societies around the worldcontinues to transform the world economy at an ever-increasing rate. This new world economy links distant peoples and places so that what happens in one place shapes what happens in another through networks of interdependence. For example, many US. and European companies have chosen to outsource some of their operations to other countires. The people pictured on the cover provide services to overseas companies from Bangalore, India. While most people recognize the widespread changes brought about by globalization, many disagree on whether the benefits outweigh the costs. Economic geography provides an excellent vehicle toward understanding today's increasingly interdependent world. (Pearson)