The phenomenal transformation sweeping the globe since the end of the Cold War can be seen as the continuation of the long, uneven and uncertain transition of the world from politics among nations, i.e., from International Politics to Global Politics. This secular phenomenon should be distinguished from the globalization of markets and marketization of economics (as well as politics and culture) spearheaded by global capitalism under the US leadership since the end of the Cold War. Furthermore, in international relations, the western legacy of the last four/five centuries has mainly emphasized conflict and clash of interests and justified the sovereign nation state's right (not merely its power) to unilaterally pursue its narrow `national interests' at the expense of peace, justice and the common good of mankind. The rationale and the mindset underlying such policies inevitably lead to a clash of civilizations. Instead nations as well as non-nation states should seek a confluence of cultures.

The phenomenon of liberal capitalist globalization underway since the 1990s is the latest mission of `The West' to dominate `the Rest.' It is the destination and also the potent means to reach the goal i.e., integration of all major national economies into the world capitalist `free market' under the Western (US) leadership. This process and phenomenon are essentially hegemonic and exploitative. Therefore, they are undemocratic and not legitimate. Furthermore, the contemporary western society, especially its Anglo-American variant, is not acceptable culturally and esthetically because it is not the best possible model humans can devise for themselves. The modern, secular democratic, capitalist, western, white society certainly represents a great advance in the governance of man over the centuries. In many respects, the liberal western democratic society is obviously `superior' and `better' than what the traditional societies in Asia and Africa could come up with in the recent past. However, the other living cultures of man on earth have a great deal to contribute in the realms of social organization, balancing the rights and duties of man, his equation with the community in which he lives, man's relationship with God and the cosmos. Today, with all the scientific knowledge and technological wherewithal at his command, man is (and should be) capable of moving forward to a more humane, just, peaceful and, egalitarian society. This can happen only through legitimate globalization, not through hegemonic unilateralism. In the ultimate analysis, governance based on the consent of the governed is the only legitimate form of government. This is possible and should be the goal of the world today because we live in a virtual `global village.'

In the same vein, the liberal capitalist model of growth driven by profits, fuelled by weapons of war and destruction and sustained by rampant consumerism and waste at the expense of equity and justice is equally unacceptable. The ravages of globalization around the world, especially as championed by the neocons in the US and the UK are there for everyone to see. In the wake of the post-Cold War era of economic reforms (liberalization, privatization and globalization) the rich have grown richer and the poor have grown in number all over the world. It is not simply a case of relative deprivation, as some may contend. The marginalized millionsthe illiterate, the unskilled, the rural and urban poor, the farmers, the displaced, the internal refugees, and others - are left out. They are sidelined in the mad rush for growth and profits. It is as though these hapless millions do not matter and do not even exist. In the process, the State has become callous. The extant model of growth driven by mercenary capitalism, MNCs and their corrupt accomplices (especially in the Third World) is not (should not be) inevitable, inexorable, and indispensable. While socialism and communism had their best innings in the past, equity and social justice are eternal. No system that is intestinally and ideologically opposed to justice, fair play, and human rights can (and should) prevail.

International Relations Journal, Globalization, International Politics, Global Politics, Liberal Capitalist Globalization, Social Organization, Hegemonic Unilateralism, Economic Reforms, Liberalization, Multinational Companies, MNCs, Green Peace, Global Corporations, Global Self-governance, Glocalization.