However, in this phase, the Institute will act as a catalyst in launching a truly worldwide and multi-civilizational and dialogic research program on the most pressing problems facing humankind in the new millennium. The following provides only the briefest possible description of the project. As GRAD proliferates into a growing number of Working Groups, we hope its findings to stimulate serious discussions with an impact on peace and policy in all regions of the world. Research Problem Three megatrends characterize our own era and perhaps the rest of the 21st century, including globalization, regionalization, and democratization. The evolution of the global system must be clearly studied in the context of these trends.
Globalization is perhaps the oldest of the three trends.
It has gone through three phases in human history. The first round of globalization took place along the Eurasian landmass from ancient China to Rome through the Silk, Spice, and Incense Roads. The second round started with the sailing of Columbus to the New World in 1492 followed by massive population movements and colonization of Africa, Asia, and America by the Europeans. The third round has been assuming increasing momentum in the post World War II period by the technological revolutions in transportation and telecommunication. This round has led to the rise of a global economy, communication networks, and cultural ethos.