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This paper describes a new approach to answer the question posed in the title, which has remained unanswered for a long time. We provide estimates of the glass forming tendencies (GFT) of a variety of materials in terms of G values. The G value of a material is determined by a combination of at least three factors; bond energies, structures and viscosities. A functional form of G is proposed and is calculated using minimum and readily available physicochemical parameters. G appears to quantify GFT on a universal scale and rationalize known GFTs in both single and multicomponent materials. (G is also shown to have a predictive potential.) [Copyright &y& Elsevier]