Paul Virilio: a critic of international business? From dromoeconomics to hypermodern organization and beyond

Abstract

Purpose

To investigate the importance of the work of French cultural theorist Paul Virilio for critics of international business.

Design/methodology/approach

The article employs Virilio's and others' writings on “dromoeconomics” or the political economy of speed and “hypermodern” forms of organization with the aim of expounding a “Virilian” approach to the critique of international business. This standpoint necessitates a discussion of dromoeconomics in addition to deliberations on “hypermodern organization”. Two jointly authored articles by the author are introduced and explored as examples of a Virilian perspective on international business.

Findings

The author argues that whilst a Virilian point‐of‐view regarding the field of international business might initially appear as inappropriate to orthodox critics, a deeper examination reveals its usefulness.

Originality/value

The article considers Virilio's groundbreaking cultural theory in view of contemporary debates over international business, dromoeconomics, and hypermodern modes of organization.

Citation

Armitage, J. (2006), "Paul Virilio: a critic of international business? From dromoeconomics to hypermodern organization and beyond", Critical Perspectives on International Business, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 339-353. https://doi.org/10.1108/17422040610706659