This book analyses the vertical relationships of firms in an international context. These relationships, Khalid Sekkat argues, have gained further relevance due to the notable increase in vertical specialization of production across borders in the past few years. The author discusses the objectives and instruments employed in vertical control, the reasons for the choice of instruments made and the way in which national and foreign policy and institutions interact with firms' strategy. Each chapter provides a theoretical analysis of the motivation of firms and their interactions with public policies as well as empirical evidence that underpins the theories presented.

This book offers new perspectives for the analysis of the firm's vertical relationships in the global economy and will be of great interest to students and researchers as well as those working in international institutions and lawyers dealing with economic issues.