Globalisation is a phenomenon discussed constantly in academic works, its impact is analysed daily, and research communities regularly put efforts to assess and predict its consequences in order to find ways of their alignment with the desired consequences.
Independently of the study area, due to its causes, phases and long-term consequences, the term globalisation covers a wide variety of phenomena of interdisciplinary nature.

One of the opinions of the current globalisation is, somewhat paradoxically, that it is a phenomenon unique of the modern time. Significant amount of data about contemporary events indirectly contribute to the opinion that the current globalisation is intrinsically bound to our modern, multiple and thoroughly networked world.

However, globalisation is a rather regular phenomenon in the history of the humankind. Dispersion of knowledge, skills, viewpoints, experiences, innovations, norms etc., is generally implied by the term globalisation. Whether the underlying interpretation invokes a single globalisation that develops throughout the human history, or several well-separated globalisations, is a separate topic. Nevertheless, that does not interfere with observed constant existence of globalising processes.

Human history has been marked with constant globalising of which we know mostly consequences, but rarely – the more rarely the more ancient the process in question – the corresponding phases and causes.

Systems science’s approach to globalisation reveals that numerous globalising processes could be represented by their objectives, area, epoch as well as flows of information, energy and matter. In the globalisation occurring in our time, the objectives are determined largely by multinational corporations. The area is always contemporary known world. Probably the most influential, recent characteristic of globalisation is significant narrowing of time interval of its rising. Information dissemination is a real time process. Numerous products and living beings are transportable within a day between almost any two points in the world. Recently, the first globalising use of matter has been determined – the spreading of stone tools, lasting from 2.6 to 2.4 million years before the present time, with a pathway from Gona in Ethiopia to Olduvai in Tanzania.

The systems science approach to globalisation encouraged this call for papers for the special issue of the INDECS journal. We invite prospective authors to submit their manuscripts to be considered for publishing. The topics expected are those related to the current or historical globalisations, which include but are not limited to analyses of similarities or differences among globalisations or different phases of a single globalisation, their duration and lasting of their consequences, short- and long-term impact on the society or its segments, a specific area of influence, a specific globalisation, etc.

Manuscripts should be prepared in English or Croatian, and submitted not later than 15. June 2010. The consideration of manuscripts will follow the regular review process of the INDECS journal.

Accepted articles will be published in the issue of INDECS 8(2), December 2010.

Cordially,

Prof. Igor Catic, Guest-editor
Prof. Josip Stepanic, Editor-in-chief