Introduction

Abstract

Globalization is currently considered to be one of the most important challenges to the state and international systems, driving structural changes in both. Yet globalization is not entirely new; scholars have distinguished various phases of it, beginning with the rise and interaction of the first empires (Held et al. 2003: 415–35). Furthermore, the term “globalization” lacks a precise definition, despite numerous academic publications shedding light on the phenomenon, although obviously there are a number of processes that mark the contemporary period of globalization, beginning after World War II and accelerating following the fall of communism. Such processes affect the whole planet and almost every aspect of life.