Globalization is a multi-dimensional phenomenon involving diverse domains of activity and interaction among the nations in the realm of economy, polity, technology, culture, security, environment, etc. According to Ngaire Woods, "Globalization is creating a world where borders matter less, which is resulting in a trend towards greater openness in the international economy and integration of markets on a worldwide basis. The integration of trade, finance, and information is creating a single global market and culture." The staunch supporters of globalization contend that the technical progress, especially in information technology, international communication and global transportation, has created a `global village'. In a way, it has unleashed a new set of opportunities and lifted barriers to global knowledge.

However, the critics argue that the process of globalization has divided and entrenched the world into classesthe poor and the rich and the developed and underdeveloped nations. It has downsized the role of the state in economic management and the international financial institutions, such as International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, in determining the economic policies of the national governments. It is being perceived that due to the increasing internationalization of production, trade, finance, technology and the like, the nation states are progressively losing their sovereignty. This issue, to begin with, examines the impact of globalization on the sovereignty of the state, which is followed by articles on warlordism in Afghanistan, China-Africa relations, poverty in South Asia, and Chinese shooting match in the outer space.

Efem N Ubi, in the paper, "Globalization and the Erosion of the Sovereignty of the State in the 21^st Century", argues that the political economy of globalization is playing an important role in reconfiguring the character of the contemporary state and its sovereignty. The author opines that the sovereignty of the state is no longer as absolute as it was once, but has been transformed by modern technology and the proliferation of governmental and non-governmental organizations (e.g., MNCs, terrorist groups, multilateral institutions etc.). The international economic regimes such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), IMF, World Bank, etc., are becoming the most important players in the international system and dictating terms to the states. He finally concludes that the concept of state sovereignty is likely to become even more blurred and distant in the future than it is at present.

Jagmohan Meher, in the paper, "Dealing with the Devils: The Other Side of Bush's Afghanistan War", delves into the nature of warlordism in Afghanistan and examines the US strategy vis-à-vis the warlords. He succinctly traces the historical facts on warlordism and tries to assimilate them with the current situation in Afghanistan. He also looks at the possible options to save Afghanistan from the clutches of the warlords. The author surmises that the US policy of supporting the warlords with money and weapons for its own military and strategic reasons is contributing to the further fragmentation of Afghanistan rather than promoting the development of a mature and stable state.

Bertha Z Osei-Hwedie, in the paper, "China-Africa Relations in the New Millenium: Opportunities and Challenges", analyzes the nature of China-Africa relations in the new millenium. The author unravels the various factors that are shaping China's foreign policy towards Africa and also discusses the opportunities, challenges and shortcomings emanating from the relationship. Africa has benefited a great deal from trade and investment from China. However, China's foreign policy towards Africa is driven by national economic interests and it has also led to a new great power rivalry on the African continent. In conclusion, the author states that for a mutually beneficial relationship, it becomes imperative for China and Africa to resolve obstacles that are acting as a major stumbling block in the billateral relations.

Poverty impedes sustainable development and robs the society of the resources that are vital for its survival. Jayant Singh, in the paper, "Poverty in South Asian Region: A Comparative Study", discusses the issue of poverty in South Asian region with the help of comparative statistical data method. He explains the reasons for the growth of poverty and highlights its negative impact on the region. The author cites illiteracy, ill health, low income, conflict and terrorism, gender discrimination, etc., as the key reasons for the slow economic development in the region. He finally concludes that unless the issue of poverty eradication is given first priority, the region is unlikely to progress significantly.

R S Vasan, in the paper, "Larger Implications of the Chinese Shooting Match in the Outer Space", analyzes the main motive behind China's shooting down its own decrypt weather satellite FY-1C with a ballistic missile in January 2007. He also looks at the international dimensions and implications of the test. The Chinese action, in addition to militarization of the outer space, has left thousands of debris, thus, endangering other space vehicles. The author also examines the impact of Chinese action on the Indian Space program. He finally sums up by saying that international bodies should make the outer space available for all nations for peaceful applications, prosperity and the well-being of the global community.

- Kalluri Raj Reddy
Consulting Editor.