How the rise of the West was a temporary exception to the predominant world order
What accounts for the rise of the state, the creation of the first global system, and the dominance of the West? The conventional answer asserts that superior technology, tactics, and institutions forged by Darwinian military competition gave Europeans a decisive advantage in war over other civilizations from 1500 onward. In contrast, Empires of the Weak argues that Europeans actually had no general military superiority in the early modern era. J. C. Sharman shows instead that European expansion from the late fifteenth to the late eighteenth centuries is better explained by deference to strong Asian and African polities, disease in the Americas, and maritime supremacy earned by default because local land-oriented polities were largely indifferent to war and trade at sea.
Europeans were overawed by the mighty Eastern empires of the day, which pioneered key military innovations and were the greatest early modern conquerors. Against the view that the Europeans won for all time, Sharman contends that the imperialism of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries was a relatively transient and anomalous development in world politics that concluded with Western losses in various insurgencies. If the twenty-first century is to be dominated by non-Western powers like China, this represents a return to the norm for the modern era.
Bringing a revisionist perspective to the idea that Europe ruled the world due to military dominance, Empires of the Weak demonstrates that the rise of the West was an exception in the prevailing world order.

Empires of the Weak: The Real Story of European Expansion and the Creation of the New World Order

Business & Money

Sharman, J.C.

Economics

Princeton University Press

Outsourcing Empire: How Company-States Made the Modern World

How chartered company-states spearheaded European expansion and helped create the world’s first genuinely global order
From Spanish conquistadors to British colonialists, the prevailing story of European empire-building has focused on the rival ambitions of competing states. But as Outsourcing Empires shows, from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries, company-states―not sovereign states―drove European expansion, building the world’s first genuinely international system. Company-states were hybrid ventures: pioneering multinational trading firms run for profit, with founding charters that granted them sovereign powers of war, peace, and rule. Those like the English and Dutch East India Companies carved out corporate empires in Asia, while other company-states pushed forward European expansion through North America, Africa, and the South Pacific. In this comparative exploration, Andrew Phillips and J. C. Sharman explain the rise and fall of company-states, why some succeeded while others failed, and their role as vanguards of capitalism and imperialism.
In dealing with alien civilizations to the East and West, Europeans relied primarily on company-states to mediate geographic and cultural distances in trade and diplomacy. Emerging as improvised solutions to bridge the gap between European rulers’ expansive geopolitical ambitions and their scarce means, company-states succeeded best where they could balance the twin imperatives of power and profit. Yet as European states strengthened from the late eighteenth century onward, and a sense of separate public and private spheres grew, the company-states lost their usefulness and legitimacy.
Bringing a fresh understanding to the ways cross-cultural relations were handled across the oceans, Outsourcing Empire examines the significance of company-states as key progenitors of the globalized world.

Phillips, Professor Andrew

Biography & History

How chartered company-states spearheaded European expansion and helped create the world's first genuinely global order From Spanish conquistadors to British colonialists, the prevailing story of European empire-building has focused on the rival ambitions of competing states. But as Outsourcing Empire shows, from the seventeenth to the twentieth centuries, company-states--not sovereign states--drove European expansion, building the world's first genuinely international system. Company-states were hybrid ventures: pioneering multinational trading firms run for profit, with founding charters that granted them sovereign powers of war, peace, and rule. Those like the English and Dutch East India Companies carved out corporate empires in Asia, while other company-states pushed forward European expansion through North America, Africa, and the South Pacific. In this comparative exploration, Andrew Phillips and J. C. Sharman explain the rise and fall of company-states, why some succeeded while others failed, and their role as vanguards of capitalism and imperialism. In dealing with alien civilizations to the East and West, Europeans relied primarily on company-states to mediate geographic and cultural distances in trade and diplomacy. Emerging as improvised solutions to bridge the gap between European rulers' expansive geopolitical ambitions and their scarce means, company-states succeeded best where they could balance the twin imperatives of power and profit. Yet as European states strengthened from the late eighteenth century onward, and a sense of separate public and private spheres grew, the company-states lost their usefulness and legitimacy. Bringing a fresh understanding to the ways cross-cultural relations were handled across the oceans, Outsourcing Empire examines the significance of company-states as key progenitors of the globalized world.

Review\n"One of the shibboleths of traditional explanations for the rise of the West has been an emphasis on early modern European military prowess. Empires of the Weak effectively takes this argument apart, and brings to light its hopelessly Eurocentric blinders. J. C. Sharman has written an excellent, important, and much-overdue book that will change your thinking about the early modern world."--Sven Beckert, Harvard University\n"Empires of the Weak is a remarkable book that challenges conventional narratives in international relations. J. C. Sharman's sharp and insightful analysis draws on historical knowledge to offer a novel understanding of the imperial foundations of the contemporary world order and a compelling new vision for the future. This is an illuminating and persuasive study of global politics."--Or Rosenboim, author of The Emergence of Globalism\n"Empires of the Weak presents a clear, wide-ranging rebuttal to the idea that European military superiority after 1500 was decisive in Europe's global expansion. The notion of seeing the nineteenth century not as a grand culmination of European victory but as a short period of exception before the return of business as usual in a multicentered world order is brilliant. This book should make a big impact."--Barry Buzan, London School of Economics\n"In Empires of the Weak, J. C. Sharman persuasively shows that the triumphalist narrative of European dominance over 'backward' polities in Asia, Africa, and the Americas is wrong. Moreover, Sharman challenges the conventional understanding of competition and military innovation. By illuminating the European encounter with the Asian great powers, his argument raises skepticism regarding the continuation of Western dominance of the international system."--Hendrik Spruyt, Northwestern University\n"In this provocative book, J. C. Sharman argues that European expansion between 1500 and 1800 succeeded in the creation of the first global system in world history by submission rather than domination. Tiny maritime expeditions setting sail from Europe showed deference and subordination to the large land empires ruling the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Refracted through this book's powerful prism, Eurocentrism and multiple modernities appear in a fresh light. A tour de force that delights by a creativity evident on every page."--Peter J. Katzenstein, Cornell University\n"Lively and engaging, this essential book takes on the claim that a revolution in military power can explain the expansion of European political power from the sixteenth through eighteenth centuries. Instead, Empires of the Weak argues that European expansion had much more to do with deference to local polities and the cultivation of local allies. A pleasure to read."--Paul K. MacDonald, Wellesley College\n"[A] provocative argument . . . As a critique of prevailing modes of thinking about global politics, Empires of the Weak succeeds admirably."---Alan Mikhail, New York Times Book Review\n"Without assuming prior knowledge, Empires of the Weak, demonstrates the problems with the theoretical assumptions of the military revolution thesis."---Sarah Kinkel, Times Higher Education\nHow the rise of the West was a temporary exception to the predominant world order\nWhat accounts for the rise of the state, the creation of the first global system, and the dominance of the West? The conventional answer asserts that superior technology, tactics, and institutions forged by Darwinian military competition gave Europeans a decisive advantage in war over other civilizations from 1500 onward. In contrast, Empires of the Weak argues that Europeans actually had no general military superiority in the early modern era. J. C. Sharman shows instead that European expansion from the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries is better explained by deference to strong Asian and African polities, disease in the Americas, and maritime supremacy earned by default because local land-oriented

Vigilantes beyond Borders: NGOs as Enforcers of International Law

How and why NGOs are increasingly taking independent and direct action in global law enforcement, from human rights to the environment Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have generally served as advocates and service providers, leaving enforcement to states. Now, NGOs are increasingly acting as private police, prosecutors, and intelligence agencies in enforcing international law. NGOs today can be found investigating and gathering evidence; suing and prosecuting governments, companies, and individuals; and even catching lawbreakers red-handed. Examining this trend, Vigilantes beyond Borders considers why some transnational groups have opted to become enforcers of international law regarding such issues as human rights, the environment, and corruption, while others have not. Three factors explain the rise of vigilante enforcement: demand, supply, and competition. Governments commit to more international laws, but do a poor job of policing them, leaving a gap and creating demand. Legal and technological changes make it easier for nonstate actors to supply enforcement, as in the instances of NGOs that have standing to use domestic and international courts, or smaller NGOs that employ satellite imagery, big data analysis, and forensic computing. As the growing number of NGOs vie for limited funding and media attention, smaller, more marginal, groups often adopt radical strategies like enforcement. Looking at the workings of major organizations, including Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and Transparency International, as well as smaller players, such as Global Witness, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, and Bellingcat, Vigilantes beyond Borders explores the causes and consequences of a novel, provocative approach to global governance.

Eilstrup-Sangiovanni, Mette

Foreign & International Law

Review\n“Vigilantes beyond Borders does more than simply portray Human Rights Watch and other celebrated advocacy and activist organizations as social justice enforcers in the style of Tom Hanks and Clint Eastwood. Eilstrup-Sangiovanni and Sharman show that NGOs must operate in a world of laws and lawlessness, which demands a much more nuanced and complicated form of politics and practice. This book makes an invaluable contribution to our understanding of transnational activism and the world order.”―Michael Barnett, George Washington University\n“In this theoretically innovative and impressive book, Eilstrup-Sangiovanni and Sharman shed light on a crucial but understudied aspect of NGO activity. Through careful research and in-depth case studies, Vigilantes beyond Borders adds an important new dimension to our understanding of transnational advocacy networks and the emerging dynamics in global governance.”―Jennifer Hadden, University of Maryland\n“This is an important book on an incredibly interesting topic―the role that NGOs play in enforcing international law. It will appeal to a wide audience interested in NGOs in global governance, substantive issues like the environment/human rights/corruption, and broader IR debates such as transnational law.”―Abraham Newman, Georgetown University\n“In Vigilantes beyond Borders, the authors present a wonderful mix of broad perspectives on global politics and a fine-grained understanding of NGO practices. Fascinating research informs their provocative argument―a valuable book.”―Sarah Stroup, Middlebury College\n“Vigilantes beyond Borders is an excellent book that moves at a brisk pace. It offers a clear and convincing argument about the new role of NGOs as enforcers of international law.”―Leonard Seabrooke, Copenhagen Business School\nHow and why NGOs are increasingly taking independent and direct action in global law enforcement, from human rights to the environment\nNongovernmental organizations (NGOs) have generally served as advocates and service providers, leaving enforcement to states. Now, NGOs are increasingly acting as private police, prosecutors, and intelligence agencies in enforcing international law. NGOs today can be found investigating and gathering evidence; suing and prosecuting governments, companies, and individuals; and even catching lawbreakers red-handed. Examining this trend, Vigilantes beyond Borders considers why some transnational groups have opted to become enforcers of international law regarding such issues as human rights, the environment, and corruption, while others have not.\nThree factors explain the rise of vigilante enforcement: demand, supply, and competition. Governments commit to more international laws, but do a poor job of policing them, leaving a gap and creating demand. Legal and technological changes make it easier for nonstate actors to supply enforcement, as in the instances of NGOs that have standing to use domestic and international courts, or smaller NGOs that employ satellite imagery, big data analysis, and forensic computing. As the growing number of NGOs vie for limited funding and media attention, smaller, more marginal, groups often adopt radical strategies like enforcement.\nLooking at the workings of major organizations, including Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and Transparency International, as well as smaller players, such as Global Witness, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, and Bellingcat, Vigilantes beyond Borders explores the causes and consequences of a novel, provocative approach to global governance.

Small states have learned in recent decades that capital accumulates where taxes are low; as a result, tax havens have increasingly competed for the attention of international investors with tax and regulatory concessions. Economically powerful countries including France, Britain, Japan, and the United States, however, wished to stanch the offshore flow of domestic taxable capital. Since 1998 the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has attempted to impose common tax regulations on more than three dozen small states. 
In a fascinating book based on fieldwork and interviews in twenty-two countries in the Caribbean, North America, Europe, and islands in the Pacific and Indian Oceans, J. C. Sharman shows how the struggle was decided in favor of the tax havens, which eventually avoided common regulation. No other book on tax havens is based on such extensive fieldwork, and no other author has had access to so many of the key decision makers who played roles in the conflict between onshore and offshore
Sharman suggests that microstates succeeded in their struggle with great powers because of their astute deployment of reputation and effective rhetorical self-positioning. In effect, they persuaded a transnational audience that the OECD was being untrue to its own values by engaging in a hypocritical, bullying exercise inimical to free competition.

Havens in a Storm: The Struggle for Global Tax Regulation (Cornell Studies in Political Economy)

Cornell University Press

A generation ago not a single country had laws to counter money laundering; now, more countries have standardized anti–money laundering (AML) policies than have armed forces. In The Money Laundry, J. C. Sharman investigates whether AML policy works, and why it has spread so rapidly to so many states with so little in common. Sharman asserts that there are few benefits to such policies but high costs, which fall especially heavily on poor countries. Sharman tests the effectiveness of AML laws by soliciting offers for just the kind of untraceable shell companies that are expressly forbidden by global standards. In practice these are readily available, and the author had no difficulty in buying the services of such companies. After dealing with providers in countries ranging from the Seychelles and Somalia to the United States and Britain, Sharman demonstrates that it is easier to form untraceable companies in large rich states than in small poor ones; the United States is the worst offender.
Despite its ineffectiveness, AML policy has spread via three paths. The Financial Action Task Force, the key standard-setter and enforcer in this area, has successfully implemented a strategy of blacklisting to promote compliance. Publicly identified as noncompliant, targeted states suffered damage to their reputation. Subsequently, officials from poor countries became socialized within transnational policy networks. Finally, international banks began using the presence of AML policy as a proxy for general country risk. Developing states have responded by adopting this policy as a functionally useless but symbolically valuable way of reassuring powerful outsiders. Since the financial crisis of 2008, the G20 has used the successful methods of coercive policy diffusion pioneered in the AML realm as a model for other global governance initiatives.

The Money Laundry: Regulating Criminal Finance in the Global Economy (Cornell Studies in Political Economy)

Billions in corrupt assets, complex money trails, strings of shell companies and other spurious legal structures. These form the complex web of subterfuge in corruption cases, behind which hides the benefi cial owner―the puppet master and benefi ciary of it all. Linking the benefi cial owner to the proceeds of corruption is notoriously hard. With sizable wealth and resources on their side, they exploit transnational constructions that are hard to penetrate and stay aggressively ahead of the game. Nearly all cases of grand corruption have one thing in common. They rely on corporate vehicles ― legal structures such as companies, foundations, and trusts―to conceal ownership and control of tainted assets. The Puppet Masters: How the Corrupt Use Legal Structures to Hide Stolen Assets and What to Do About It takes these corporate vehicles as its angle of investigation. It builds upon cases, interviews with investigators, corporate registries and fi nancial institutions, as well as a “mystery shopping” exercise that provide factual evidence of a criminal practice. This approach is used to understand the nature of the problem and design policy recommendations to facilitate the investigative process by unraveling the complex world of corporate vehicles. This report is solidly built on step-by-step arguments and designed to deliver practical, applicable, and well substantiated recommendations. It is intended for use by policy makers in developing national legislation and regulation as well as international standard setters. It also provides helpful information for practitioners engaged in investigating corrupt offi cials and academics involved in the study of fi nancial crime.

The Puppet Masters: How the Corrupt Use Legal Structures to Hide Stolen Assets and What to Do About It (StAR Initiative)

Van Der Does De Willebois, Emile

Harrison, Robert

Park, Ji Won

Halter, Emily

World Bank Publications

What have been the consequences of recent regulatory initiatives on international financial centers in small countries? This study of three small Commonwealth countries―Barbados, Mauritius and Vanuatu―suggests that the costs of implementing these new standards have exceeded any identifiable benefits for the countries concerned. The main factor explaining the adoption of the new standards, in all three countries, is the fear of being blacklisted by international organizations in the event of non-compliance, rather than any identified benefit in terms of increased competitiveness. The authors consider how policy on anti-money laundering should be developed in the future, taking into account the particular concerns of small developing countries.  The book will be of interest to all those engaged in setting international standards for financial regulation, and those regulating the finance industry in both large and small countries.

Considering the Consequences: The Developmental Implications of Initiatives on Taxation, Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism

Mistry, Percy S.

Commonwealth Secretariat

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Sharman, J.C.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Sharman, J.C.

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Sharman, J.C.. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Empires of the Weak: The Real Story of European Expansion and the Creation of the New World Order

Outsourcing Empire: How Company-States Made the Modern World

Outsourcing Empire: How Company-States Made the Modern World

Empires of the Weak: The Real Story of European Expansion and the Creation of the New World Order

Vigilantes beyond Borders: NGOs as Enforcers of International Law

Vigilantes beyond Borders: NGOs as Enforcers of International Law

Havens in a Storm: The Struggle for Global Tax Regulation (Cornell Studies in Political Economy)

The Money Laundry: Regulating Criminal Finance in the Global Economy (Cornell Studies in Political Economy)

The Puppet Masters: How the Corrupt Use Legal Structures to Hide Stolen Assets and What to Do About It (StAR Initiative)

Considering the Consequences: The Developmental Implications of Initiatives on Taxation, Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Terrorism