ABSTRACT
In this chapter we do several things. We begin by summarizing the conceptual apparatus we have developed for a theoretical research program that compares world-systems. A more extended treatment may be found in our Rise and Demise: Comparing World-Systems (1997). We describe our approach to the problem of spatially bounding world-systems, summarizing what we think is one of our more important contributions: conceiving of world-systems as having four, typically nested, networks of interaction. We also outline our approach to core/ periphery relations. Then we discuss three recurrent processes: incorporation of new areas or peoples; merging of formerly autonomous world-systems; and the phenomenon of the upward mobility and transformational innovations by semiperipheral actors. Then we briefly sketch our explanation for the evolution of small-scale egalitarian world-systems into the single hierarchical global system of today.
