Elizabeth Whitworth, Author at Shortform Books

The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan: Book Overview

What role did the East play in world history? How has the dynamic between East and West evolved over the millennia? According to historian Peter Frankopan, the Silk Roads have always been history’s crucial connection point. He examines the history of Central and Western Asia and its centrality to what has happened all over the world since the dawn of civilization. Keep reading for an overview of The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan, which provides a fresh perspective on world history.

A Brief History of the Ancient World (The Silk Roads)

What difference does geography make to history? What impact did the East have on the West in the ancient world? The Silk Roads began in the ancient world, so it’s here that historian Peter Frankopan begins his examination of the history of the connection between East and West. He provides an overview of the Persian, Greek, and Roman empires, particularly in regard to Asia. Keep reading for Frankopan’s history of the ancient world.

Is the Agricultural Revolution a Myth? Debunking the Narrative

Did the adoption of agriculture truly result in a societal revolution? Does farming inevitably result in cultural hierarchies? Scholarly discussions of equality and inequality tend to assume that inequality is a result of the rise of agriculture, according to David Graeber and David Wengrow. They argue that this conventional narrative is wrong. Keep reading to learn how these researchers seek to debunk the myth of the agricultural revolution.

How U.S. Intervention in Afghanistan Backfired

Could the 9/11 attacks have been prevented? Why did the United States get involved in Afghanistan in the 1980s? In The Silk Roads, historian Peter Frankopan argues that the political meddling by the U.S. and other Western powers in the Middle East and Asia during the 20th century would come back to haunt them in the 21st century. He cites Afghanistan in particular. Read more to learn how U.S. intervention in Afghanistan backfired.

The Evolution of Societies: Challenging the Conventional Narrative

Do societies evolve in a linear manner? Do they go from primitive to civilized? Throughout humanity’s long history, cultures have been much more diverse than we tend to believe, and the presumed evolution of societies from “primitive” to “civilized” is a myth. David Graeber and David Wengrow present this assertion in their book The Dawn of Everything. Continue reading to understand the conventional narrative about the evolution of societies and to learn Graeber and Wengrow’s challenges to it.

Global Balance of Power: 20th-Century Empires & Superpowers

How did the global balance of power shift in the 20th century? How did these balances shape wars, and how did wars shape them? In The Silk Roads, historian Peter Frankopan identifies Central and Western Asia as the battleground where the great empires of history rose and fell. He argues that understanding the East is crucial to our understanding of the world—particularly for Westerners who have lost this global perspective. Keep reading for Frankopan’s discussion of the global balance of power in the 20th century.

The Indigenous Critique: What Started the Enlightenment?

What’s the indigenous critique? What started the Enlightenment? Is the traditional narrative accurate? European Enlightenment philosophy was inspired by the native North American people’s critique of European customs. That’s the view of David Graeber and David Wengrow, as presented in their book The Dawn of Everything. Continue reading to learn about this fascinating alternative view of history.

The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama: Book Overview

How and when did government develop as an institution? How are governments held accountable? What makes a democracy stable? The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama explores the development of political systems from prehistory to the eve of the American and French revolutions in the late 18th century. Fukuyama is interested in how and why contemporary liberal democracies emerged. Keep reading for an overview of the book.

Oil and Politics: How the Silk Roads Became the Oil Roads

Why does everyone fight over oil? How does this struggle affect the balance of power in the world? In ancient times, Persia was prized by the great powers of the world for its wealth and location. In modern times, the area is prized for its oil. The discovery of this commodity altered the world’s political landscape forever. Continue reading for a historical overview of oil and politics.