Magnetic Z(N) symmetry in hot QCD and the spatial Wilson loop - art. no. 096008

We discuss the relation between the deconfining phase transition in gauge t heories and the realization of the magnetic Z(N) symmetry. At low temperatu re the Z(N) symmetry is spontaneously broken while above the phase transiti on it is restored. This is intimately related to the change of behavior of the spatial 't Hooft loop. We also point out that the realization of magnet ic; symmetry has a bearing on the behavior of the spatial Wilson loop. We g ive a physical argument to the effect that at zero temperature die spatial Wilson loop must have perimeter law behavior in the symmetric phase but are a law behavior ih the spontaneously broken phase. At high temperature the a rgument does not hold and the restoration of magnetic Z(N) is consistent wi th the area law for the Wilson loop.