The world of the 21^st century is radically different from that of the previous century. As the new century approached, the world appeared to be a much more uncertain place. The traditional balance of power has been dramatically disturbed. Accelerating technology catalyzed economic change as new nations and international corporations competed in the interconnected global marketplace. The dramatic advances in information technology united and empowered transnational peoples and ideologies beyond the constraint of any single government. Where global powers had faded, new regional powers arose with the potential for influence in the new global economy and information grid.