ABSTRACT
Globalization loosely refers to a set of social processes whereby social relations acquire relatively distanceless and borderless qualities. Though disagreements exist concerning the definition, scale, history, and explanatory framework of globalization, it becomes more and more difficult to deny globality in our everyday life. Globality signifies a social condition “characterized by the existence of global economic, political, cultural, and environmental interconnections and flows that make many of the currently existing borders and boundaries irrelevant” (Steger, 2003: 7). As Steger points out, the essential qualities of globalization processes can be explained as first creation of new and multiplication of existing social networks; second, the expansion of social relations, activities, and interdependence; third, the intensification and acceleration of social exchanges and activities; and, last, people’s consciousness of growing social interdependence (Steger, 2003: 9–12). Obviously, these characteristics of globalization have both positive and negative effects on human relations, as we are more likely to have extensive and intensified contacts with others directly or indirectly. This is also the case concerning the relations between states. This reality raises a question as to whether there are true impacts of globalization on the occurrence, continuation, and termination of armed conflicts.
