Hyperconflict

This book addresses two questions that are central to human condition in the twenty-first century: does globalization promote security or fuel insecurity and what are the implications for world order. Coming to grips with these matters effectively requires building a bridge between the geoeconomics and geopolitics of globalization, one that extends to the geostrategic realm. Yet few analysts have sought to span this gulf. Filling the void, Mittelman identifies systemic drivers of global security and insecurity and demonstrates how the intense interaction between them heightens insecurity at a world level. Propelled by globalization, says Mittelman, the intense interaction between these and other drivers heightens insecurity at a world level. The emergent condition he labels hyperconflict, the chief characteristics of which are a reorganization of political violence, a growing climate of fear, and increasing instability at a world level. Facilitated by technological innovation and financial integration, the cascading effects of this contagion challenge states' capacity to monopolize legitimate violence. Within this context, the book probes the proposed Multilateral Agreement on Investment, the 1997-98 Asian debacle, the Battles of Seattle precipitated at a 1999 meeting of the World Trade Organization, 9/11 and the 'global war on terror', plus the 'war economy' that led to the worldwide financial implosion that began in 2007. These instances provide the basis for Mittelman's projections for future world order. The resulting - and plausible - scenarios he paints offer an 'early warning' to enable prevention of a gathering storm of hyperconflict, and to identify opportunities for establishing enduring peace.