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Empires of the Weak

The Real Story of European Expansion and the Creation of the New World Order
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( 262 ratings, 38 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Empires of the Weak by J. C. Sharman challenges the traditional European-dominance narrative. It argues that European powers were far less dominant globally than often presumed, highlighting the resilience and influence of non-European empires. The book reinterprets the rise of the West, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of global power dynamics in history.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$4999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're intrigued by the dynamics of global power shifts and the unconventional ways in which Eastern and Western empires have evolved over time. It challenges traditional narratives about the dominance of Western powers and offers a fresh perspective on historical military strategies and political influence. Ideal for history enthusiasts interested in exploring alternative viewpoints on global empires.

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Empires of the Weak

Empires of the Weak demonstrates that the rise of the West was an exception in the prevailing world order.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

What accounts for the rise of the state, the creation of the first global system, and the dominance of the West? The conventional answer asserts that superior technology, tactics, and institutions forged by Darwinian military competition gave Europeans a decisive advantage in war over other civilisations from 1500 onward.

In contrast, Empires of the Weak argues that Europeans actually had no general military superiority in the early modern era. J. C. Sharman shows instead that European expansion from the fifteenth to eighteenth centuries is better explained by deference to strong Asian and African polities, disease in the Americas, and maritime supremacy earned by default because local land-oriented polities were largely indifferent to war and trade at sea.

Empires of the Weak demonstrates that the rise of the West was an exception in the prevailing world order.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Empires of the Weak by J. C. Sharman challenges the traditional narrative of European military supremacy driving the rise of the West, offering a critical reassessment that highlights Eurocentric biases. The book suggests that European expansion from the 1500s relied more on diplomacy and alliances than on military dominance, reshaping the historical understanding of global politics. It is praised for its insightful analysis and its potential to influence perspectives on international relations and global history.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780691210070

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 10 November 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Princeton University Press

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 216

About the Author

J. C. Sharman is the Sir Patrick Sheehy Professor of International Relations at the University of Cambridge, where he is a fellow of King's College. His books include The Despot's Guide to Wealth Management, International Order in Diversity, and Outsourcing Empire.

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