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.

Introduction A. Commodification, Socialisation and Capital 1. Commodification and Community 2. Concepts of Socialisation 3. The Discipline of Capital B. Capital Accumulation and Class Formation 1. The Historical Topography of Class Society 2. Capital as Discipline and Class Struggles 3. Fractions of Capital and Concepts of Control C. The Lockean Heartland in the International Political Economy 1. The Lockean State/Society Conplex 2. Contender States and the Hobbesian Counterpoint 3. Structural Aspects of World Politics D. Transnational Class Formation and Historical Hegemonies 1. Freemasonry as Imagined Community 2. Class Planning in the Era of High Finance 3. Hegemonic Integration of the State Classes E. Cadres and the Classless Society 1. The Class of Socialisation 2. Historical Instances of Cadre Class Formation 3. Deregulation and the Dilemmas of Global Governance