"The Global System" is a fine review of recent discussions of the rise and nature of a world society. It parallels other recent work on the character of the world economy and the world political, or interstate, system; but it is distinctive and innovative - and extraordinarily valuable - in discussing the cultural aspects of modern globalization and of the world political and economic systems themselves. The book is the most sophisticated and thoughtful review of the general issue now available. It will be most useful for students and researchers in this area." John W. Meyer, Stanford University

• Preface. 1. Conceptualizing the Global Condition.2. Ways of Thinking about the World.3. Treating the World as a Social System.4. The World Economy.5. States and the Global System.6. Culture and the Global System.7. Conflicts and Issues in the Global System.8. The World in a State of Chaos?.9. Conclusion.References.Index.