The word 'globalisation' perhaps suggests 'the shift of political activity away from the local and national and into the global realm.' Hudson extends this definition:

"Globalisation signifies an increase in the importance, volume, speed and scope of cross-border flows of ideas, money, commodities, and people, challenging the exclusive territorial authority of sovereign states."(Newman, 'Boundaries, Territory and Post-modernity.)

From this definition it can be seen that globalisation is a word which cannot be merely defined but must be explained, must be signified. In addition it comprises with it the second part of the question, the idea of its challenge to and effect on the state.

Accounts of conflict and war between the various city-states of Ancient Greece is itself a recognition that the international dimension to politics is as old as the discipline itself. (Heywood, 'Politics'). However, during these early years of civilisation, politics, and subsequently power rested mainly in the state. Indeed, according to Aristotle the state is

"The final association, formed of several villages... For all practical

With membership benefits however, comes internal member sacrifices. No where is this more clear than in Brussels. The movement towards a united Europe is terminally plagued by various heads of states unable to find a mutual agreement between benefit and sacrifice. A recent example of this could be seen at the EU summit at Helsinki. Bound by his domestic situation the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, found himself isolated and unable to sign an agreement on EU economic legislation in the light of recent EU action (or inaction) towards the illegitimate ban by the French on British beef. At the time a national newspaper quoted:

How this has happened and the extent to which globalisation could affect the role of the state are the crucial underlying questions to the essay title.

"...that a time may come when world order might be pursued by a universal form of political organisation radically different from the existing state system." (Hoffman, 'Beyond the State')

"But he [Blair] knew on his arrival that for the British press only two things seemed important - the continuing battle with France over beef, and with the rest of Europe led by Germany over withholding taxes, which Britain refuses to accept on the grounds that it will destroy London's valuable eurobomd market". (The Guardian, Wednesday 15th 1999).

Some common words found in the essay are:
Hedley Bull, Territory Post-modernity', French British, Politics' Historical, Bill Gates, Ancient Greece, Reith Lectures', Coca Cola, , Nokia Economically, civil society, private enterprise, world civil society, public sector, global bodies, political economic, private sector, political activity, pertinent understanding, world civil, understanding politics, globalisation pertinent understanding, power private sector, state's political role, hands private enterprise,
Approximate Word count = 2126
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)