In order to accomplish these goals we will need to provide clear statements of the fundamental propositions of each of the four perspectives. These perspectives would have to be addressed to each other in a manner as to both clarify positions and open genuine dialogue. They would have to be evaluated by both other world system scholars, and those equipped to provide more specific information on critical historical issues and areas. A final requirement would be to bring greater clarity to a number of critical concepts. Each of the perspectives deals in a somewhat different manner with a series of critical concepts.
Critical questions remain open.
The nature of global leadership is among the most hotly contexted issues in contemporary political science, and plays a fundamental role in each of the four perspectives offered by world historical system authors regardless of discipline. The rise and decline of various areas, and the reasons for the implications of that process, require concerted attention. The term is not consistently defined, nor are the nature of its units and the processes which link them consistently identified. The relevance of evolutionary conceptions of the economy as a complex adaptive system may need to be explored. The proposed meeting is designed to accomplish these goals.