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^stcentury?

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.

Patomäki develops a bold, original and thought provoking political economy analysis of the late 20^thcentury neo-liberalisation and globalisation and their real effects, which he describes as a 21^stcentury 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, Patomäki constructs a comparative explanatory model which traces the rise of imperialism in the late 19^thcentury and culminated in the First World War. He argues that even a partial return to the 19^thcentury ideals and practices is very likely to be highly counterproductive in the 21^stcentury 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.