The Political Economy of Global Security: War, Future Crises and Changes in Global Governance

What are the possibilities for and conditions of global security in the 21^st century?

This book provides an innovative study of future wars, crises and transformations of the global political economy. It brings together economic theory, political economy, peace and conflict research, philosophy and historical analogy to explore alternatives for the future.

Patomaki develops a bold, original and thought provoking political economy analysis of the late 20^th century neo-liberalisation and globalisation and their real effects, which he describes as a 21^st century version imperialism. In order for us to understand global security and to anticipate the potential threats and crises, he argues that a holistic understanding and explanation of history is necessary and demonstrates that a systematic causal analysis of structures and processes is required. Putting this theory into practice, Patomaki constructs a comparative explanatory model which traces the rise of imperialism in the late 19^th century and culminated in the First World War. He argues that even a partial return to the 19^th century ideals and practices is very likely to be highly counterproductive in the 21^st century world and could become a recipe for a major global catastrophe.

This book will be of interest to students and scholars of international relations, globalization studies, politics, economics and security studies.

Heikki Patomaki is Professor of International Relations at the University of Helsinki, Finland, as well as Research Professor of Globalisation and Global Institutions at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.