Age of Revolutions

Age of Revolutions by Fareed Zakaria is a profound exploration of the turbulent forces that have shaped our world's history, propelling us into the chaotic, polarised, and unstable age we live in today. Drawing from two decades of analytical foresight, Zakaria, an internationally best-selling author, dissects both historical and contemporary revolutions to reveal patterns of progress and backlash that define our era.

At the heart of Age of Revolutions lies an in-depth narrative that spans from the 1600s to the present day. Based on extensive research and insightful conversations with global leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Lee Kuan Yew, Zakaria places today's populist upheavals within a sweeping historical context. He begins with the rise of the Dutch Republic, heralded as the first modern republic and a beacon of freedom where refugees and rebels sought individual liberty. The story then leaps across the English Channel to the "Glorious Revolution," highlighting how revolutionary ideas can cross borders and spark change.

Zakaria doesn't shy away from the less glorious revolutions, such as the French Revolution, illustrating the peril of radical, top-down change. In contrast, he emphasises the enduring influence of bottom-up revolutions, like the Industrial Revolution in Britain and the United States, which fuelled the ascent of modern superpowers and seeded today's political divides. The narrative underscores how technological advancements, while driving prosperity, also create societal disruptions, triggering backlash from those who felt threatened by the march of progress, like the machine-smashing Luddites.

In the latter part of the book, Zakaria expertly delves into the monumental revolutions of our times. He examines the unchecked velocity of globalisation, the sweeping impact of digital transformation, the rise of identity politics, and the resurgence of great power tensions, particularly with a resurgent Russia and an ambitious China. By exploring the motives of leaders like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, who seek to reverse the liberal order, Zakaria offers a sobering analysis of the threats to democracy, women's rights, and open societies.

The book doesn't merely chronicle external threats; it critically examines the internal decay of democracies. Zakaria warns of the cultural and populist backlash that risks undermining the Enlightenment’s legacy. He argues that while liberalism liberates individuals from arbitrary constraints, it also leaves them isolated, struggling to define a fulfilling life. This existential void can easily be exploited by tribalism, populism, and identity politics, causing people to revolt against modernity itself.

Age of Revolutions situates current upheavals within a larger historical framework, urging readers to appreciate the delicate balance between progress and backlash. The book is not just a historical account but a critical reflection on our times, emphasising the need to safeguard the achievements of liberalism while addressing its shortcomings. Zakaria's insightful analysis provides both a warning and a guide for navigating the complex landscape of our present and future.