'Tear Down These Walls': Economic Globalisation and the Future of Interstate War

Abstract

The past 70 years have witnessed unbroken interstate peace between great powers and an immense increase in international economic activity. The relationship between these two developments, and the wider relationship between economic activity and peace between states, has been a subject of immense inquiry in international relations. In attempting to discern a causal link in this area, this essay will ask “does increased international economic activity, namely trade and foreign investment, reduce the likelihood of interstate war?” This essay will examine commercial liberal and oppositional viewpoints and then argue that increased international economic activity decreases the likelihood of interstate war, particularly when the economic relationships between states are institutionalised, open, and market-based.