Globalization, liberalization and prospects for the state

ABSTRACT. Patterns of globalization and liberalization need to be examined in light of their political consequences, especially in the context of situations of state collapse and violent conflict. Champions of globalization can be divided into two camps – the advocates of economic liberalization and the promoters of global governance. They share a common skepticism of the state, which ignores both the developmental lessons of history and the perverse impact liberalization has had on peace and security. While liberalization has transformed the terrain of politics, privileging a form of semi-democracy, problems of violent conflict highlight the urgent need for the reconstitution of modern states in the developing world