Barry K. Gills

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Barry K. Gills is a pioneering scholar in world-systems analysis, globalization studies, and transformative social praxis. His work fundamentally rethinks the longue durée of human history, arguing that a singular "World System" has been evolving for over five millennia—since the origins of cities, states, and class society. This bold, macro-historical perspective challenges conventional Eurocentric narratives and positions contemporary globalization as a phase within a much older, interconnected process. Gills’s major contributions include developing the concept of "globalization from below," which examines how transnational social movements and grassroots actors resist and reshape neoliberal hegemony. His paper "Transversalism and Transformative Praxes: Globalization from Below" (2021, 5 citations) exemplifies this focus, advocating for transversal politics that cross borders and social boundaries to build alternative futures. While his citation counts reflect a specialized, theoretical audience, his influence is profound among scholars of global political economy, historical sociology, and critical development studies. Gills has also served as editor of key journals like *Globalizations*, fostering critical dialogue on global justice, sustainability, and systemic transformation. His work remains essential for students seeking to understand the deep historical roots of today’s global crises and the possibilities for emancipatory change.