Chains and networks, territories and scales: Towards a relational framework for analysing the global economy

This article proposes a network methodology for the study of globalization. Dicken, et al. view networks as both organizational structures and ongoing processes, and recognize need to understand both the structure and quality of relationships in a given network. Networks are thus seen as a way to understand both vertical and horizontal power relations. The article also examines the strengths and limitations of two network methodologies that have been used for the study of the global economy: global commodity chains and actor network theory (ANT).