From domestic power to international subordination: the uses and impact of corporate bond issuance in emerging capitalist economies

KARAÇİMEN E., Rabinovich J.

REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY, vol.32, no.5, pp.1618-1642, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 32 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/09692290.2025.2500620
  • Journal Name: REVIEW OF INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ECONOMY
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, IBZ Online, International Bibliography of Social Sciences, Periodicals Index Online, ABI/INFORM, Business Source Elite, Business Source Premier, EconLit, Index Islamicus, Philosopher's Index, Political Science Complete, Public Affairs Index, Social services abstracts, Sociological abstracts, Worldwide Political Science Abstracts, DIALNET
  • Page Numbers: pp.1618-1642
  • Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This article focuses on the increasing trend of corporate bond issuance by the nonfinancial sector in emerging capitalist economies (ECEs). Contrary to prevailing views that ECE firms predominantly engage in speculative carry trade operations, our analysis, informed by firm-level data, indicates a strategic utilisation of bond proceeds particularly for financial strengthening through a reduction of short-term debt and interest expenses, as well as an extension of debt maturities. Noteworthy is the concentration of bond issuances in two extractive industries, 'energy and power' and 'materials'. By integrating the subordinate financialisation and leverage as power frameworks, this study sheds new light on the strategic financial actions of ECE firms, who, while enhancing their domestic dominance, also reinforce the subordinate position of their home countries.