​World History: From Prehistory to the Modern Era

This comprehensive world history course spans from the earliest human societies of the Paleolithic Age to the complexities of the modern era. Students will explore key events, cultures, and civilizations that shaped the world as we know it today. The course emphasizes the interconnectedness of global histories, examining how different regions influenced one another through trade, conquest, migration, and cultural exchange. Through a combination of lectures, readings, and interactive activities, students will gain a deep understanding of the major periods of world history, including the prehistoric era, ancient civilizations, the medieval period, early modern transformations, and the developments of the 20th and 21st centuries.
Course Description:

​Unit 1: Prehistoric Period (Before 3000 BCE)

• Paleolithic Age: Introduction to early human societies, the use of stone tools, and the hunter-gatherer lifestyle. Focus on the cognitive and cultural developments that laid the foundation for human civilization.
• Neolithic Age: Examination of the agricultural revolution, the domestication of animals, and the rise of permanent settlements. Students will explore how these changes led to the development of social hierarchies, trade, and early forms of governance.

Unit 2: Ancient History (3000 BCE – 500 CE)

• Early Civilizations: Study of the first complex societies in Mesopotamia, Egypt, the Indus Valley, and China. Exploration of their contributions to writing, law, religion, and governance.
• Classical Antiquity: Examination of the rise and fall of the Greek and Roman Empires, including their philosophical, political, and cultural legacies. The unit also covers the Maurya and Gupta empires in India, and the Han Dynasty in China.
• Late Antiquity: Focus on the decline of the Roman Empire, the spread of Christianity, and the early development of Islamic civilization.

Unit 3: Medieval Period (500 CE – 1500 CE)

• Early Middle Ages: Exploration of the post-Roman world, including the spread of Islam, the Byzantine Empire, and the development of feudalism in Europe.
• High Middle Ages: Examination of the Crusades, the rise of European monarchies, and the flourishing of art and learning in the Islamic world.
• Late Middle Ages: Study of the Black Death, the Hundred Years' War, the decline of feudalism, and the beginnings of the Renaissance.

Unit 4: Early Modern Period (1500 CE – 1800 CE)

• Renaissance and Reformation: Exploration of the cultural revival in Europe, the challenges to the Catholic Church, and the impact of the Protestant Reformation.
• Age of Exploration: Study of European exploration and colonization of the Americas, Africa, and Asia, including the Columbian Exchange and its global consequences.
• Scientific Revolution and Enlightenment: Examination of the major scientific discoveries and the intellectual movement that emphasized reason, individualism, and skepticism of traditional authority.

Unit 5: Modern Period (1800 CE – Present)

• Industrial Revolution: Study of the rapid industrialization, technological advancements, and urbanization that transformed economies and societies globally.
• 19th Century Developments: Examination of imperialism, nationalism, and the rise of nation-states, along with social and political changes such as the abolition of slavery.
• 20th Century to Present: Focus on the two World Wars, the Cold War, decolonization, and the significant advancements in technology, medicine, and human rights. The unit also covers the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, including globalization, environmental issues, and ongoing geopolitical shifts.

Course Objectives:

• Understand the major events, movements, and figures that shaped world history from prehistory to the present.
• Analyze the causes and effects of historical events and their impact on different regions and cultures.
• Compare the development of societies across different regions and time periods.
• Develop critical thinking and historical analysis skills through the interpretation of primary and secondary sources.
• Engage in discussions and activities that encourage a deeper appreciation of the diverse perspectives and experiences that make up world history.

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​Prehistoric Period (Before 3000 BCE)

For generations, our remote ancestors have been cast as primitive and childlike―either free and equal innocents, or thuggish and warlike. Civilization, we are told, could be achieved only by sacrificing those original freedoms or by taming our baser instincts. In their major New York Times bestseller, The Dawn of Everything, David Graeber and David Wengrow fundamentally challenge these assumptions and recast our understanding of human history. We will never again see the past in the same way.

Drawing on pathbreaking research in archaeology and anthropology, Graeber and Wengrow reveal how history becomes a far more interesting place once we learn to throw off our conceptual blinders and perceive what’s really there. If humans did not spend 95 percent of their evolutionary past in tiny bands of hunter-gatherers, what were they doing during all that time? If agriculture and cities did not mean a plunge into hierarchy and domination, then what kinds of social and economic organizations did they lead to? The answers are often unexpected, and suggest that the course of human history may be less set in stone, and more open to playful, hopeful possibilities, than we tend to assume.

Destined to be a classic, The Dawn of Everything signals a paradigm shift, profoundly transforming our understanding of the human past and making space to imagine new forms of freedom, new ways of organizing society. This is a monumental book of formidable intellectual and political range, animated by curiosity, moral vision, and hopefulness.

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​Ancient History (3000 BCE – 500 CE)

"The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character" is a comprehensive exploration of the ancient Sumerian civilization, which flourished in Mesopotamia around 3000 BCE. Samuel Noah Kramer, a renowned Sumerologist, delves into the origins, development, and legacy of the Sumerians, providing a detailed account of their contributions to human history.
Key Themes and Content:

1. Origins and Historical Context:
   
   • The book begins by tracing the origins of the Sumerians, their settlement in the fertile region of Mesopotamia, and the establishment of city-states such as Ur, Uruk, and Lagash. Kramer discusses the challenges of reconstructing Sumerian history due to the scarcity of contemporary records and the reliance on later sources.
2. Political and Social Structure:
   
   • Kramer examines the political organization of Sumer, highlighting the role of kingship, theocratic governance, and the city-state system. He also explores the social hierarchy, which included a ruling elite, priests, artisans, and laborers, and discusses the importance of law and order in maintaining societal stability.
3. Cultural Achievements:
   
   • One of the most significant contributions of the Sumerians was the invention of cuneiform writing, which Kramer details extensively. This system of writing enabled the Sumerians to record laws, religious texts, literature, and administrative documents. The book also covers their advancements in mathematics, astronomy, and medicine.
4. Religion and Mythology:
   
   • The Sumerians had a rich religious life, with a pantheon of gods and goddesses who played a central role in their daily lives. Kramer explores Sumerian mythology, including creation myths, epic tales such as the "Epic of Gilgamesh," and the religious rituals that connected the Sumerians to their deities.
5. Literature and Intellectual Legacy:
   
   • The book highlights the Sumerians' literary achievements, including their development of proverbs, hymns, and epic poetry. Kramer emphasizes the importance of these texts in understanding Sumerian thought, values, and worldview.
6. Economic and Technological Developments:
   
   • The Sumerians were pioneers in agriculture, using irrigation to cultivate the land and support a growing population. Kramer discusses their contributions to trade, craftsmanship, and technological innovations such as the wheel, plow, and metallurgy.
7. Decline and Legacy:
   
   • The book concludes with an analysis of the decline of Sumerian civilization, which was influenced by internal strife, invasions by neighboring peoples, and environmental changes. Despite their eventual fall, the Sumerians left a lasting legacy that influenced subsequent civilizations in Mesopotamia and beyond.

Conclusion:Samuel Noah Kramer's "The Sumerians: Their History, Culture, and Character" is a seminal work that offers an in-depth look at one of the earliest civilizations in human history. Through his detailed examination of their political, social, religious, and intellectual life, Kramer provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of the Sumerians and their enduring impact on the world. The book is an essential resource for anyone interested in the origins of civilization and the contributions of ancient cultures to human progress.

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Medieval Period (500 CE – 1500 CE)

Early Middle Ages (500 CE – 1000 CE)

​Defying the conventional Dark Ages view of European history between A.D. 400 and 1000, award-winning historian Chris Wickham presents The Inheritance of Rome, a work of remarkable scope and rigorous yet accessible scholarship. Drawing on a wealth of new material and featuring a thoughtful synthesis of historical and archaeological approaches, Wickham agues that these centuries were critical in the formulation of European identity. From Ireland to Constantinople, the Baltic to the Mediterranean, the narrative constructs a vivid portrait of the vast and varied world of Goths, Franks, Vandals, Arabs, Saxons, and Vikings. Groundbreaking and full of fascinating revelations, The Inheritance of Rome offers a fresh understanding of the crucible in which Europe would ultimately be created.

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The death of the Roman Empire is one of the perennial mysteries of world history. Now, in this groundbreaking book, Peter Heather proposes a stunning new solution: Centuries of imperialism turned the neighbors Rome called barbarians into an enemy capable of dismantling an Empire that had dominated their lives for so long.
A leading authority on the late Roman Empire and on the barbarians, Heather relates the extraordinary story of how Europe's barbarians, transformed by centuries of contact with Rome on every possible level, eventually pulled the empire apart. He shows first how the Huns overturned the existing strategic balance of power on Rome's European frontiers, to force the Goths and others to seek refuge inside the Empire. This prompted two generations of struggle, during which new barbarian coalitions, formed in response to Roman hostility, brought the Roman west to its knees. The Goths first destroyed a Roman army at the battle of Hadrianople in 378, and went on to sack Rome in 410. The Vandals spread devastation in Gaul and Spain, before conquering North Africa, the breadbasket of the Western Empire, in 439. We then meet Attila the Hun, whose reign of terror swept from Constantinople to Paris, but whose death in 453 ironically precipitated a final desperate phase of Roman collapse, culminating in the Vandals' defeat of the massive Byzantine Armada: the west's last chance for survival.

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High Middle Ages (1000 CE – 1300 CE)

"The Making of Europe" by Robert Bartlett is a seminal work that explores the transformative period in European history between 950 and 1350, during which the foundations of modern Europe were laid. Bartlett examines how the processes of conquest, colonization, and cultural change reshaped the continent, leading to the creation of a more unified European identity.
Key Themes and Content:

1. Conquest and Expansion:
   
   • Bartlett details how European expansion during this period was driven by military conquest, including the Norman conquest of England, the German eastward expansion (Ostsiedlung), and the Crusades in the Holy Land and the Iberian Peninsula. These conquests were not only about territorial gains but also about spreading European political and cultural practices.
2. Colonization and Settlement:
   
   • The book explores the colonization of newly conquered territories, where settlers from the heart of Europe established new communities. These settlers brought with them European agricultural practices, legal systems, and social structures, which transformed the regions they colonized, such as Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean, and the British Isles.
3. Cultural Integration and Change:
   
   • Bartlett argues that the expansion of Europe was accompanied by significant cultural integration. The spread of Latin Christendom, the adoption of Roman law, and the establishment of feudalism created a more homogenized European culture. However, this integration was often marked by the suppression of local traditions and the imposition of Western European norms.
4. Religious and Intellectual Developments:
   
   • The book examines the role of the Church in this process of Europeanization. The Church not only provided the ideological justification for conquest and colonization but also played a central role in the cultural and intellectual life of Europe. The spread of monasteries, the rise of universities, and the development of scholasticism were key aspects of this cultural transformation.
5. Impact on Indigenous Populations:
   
   • Bartlett does not shy away from discussing the darker side of this expansion, including the displacement, assimilation, and sometimes destruction of indigenous populations. The imposition of European cultural norms often led to the marginalization of local customs, languages, and religious practices.
6. Formation of European Identity:
   
   • A central thesis of the book is that this period of expansion and cultural integration laid the groundwork for a distinct European identity. By the end of the period, Europe had become a more cohesive entity, characterized by shared religious, legal, and cultural frameworks, despite its regional diversity.

Conclusion:"The Making of Europe" by Robert Bartlett is a comprehensive and thought-provoking examination of how Europe as we know it was shaped by the processes of conquest, colonization, and cultural change between 950 and 1350. Bartlett's analysis highlights the complex and often contradictory nature of this transformation, where cultural integration went hand in hand with conquest and domination. The book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the historical roots of modern Europe and the forces that have shaped its development over the centuries.

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Late Middle Ages (1300 CE – 1500 CE)

"A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century" by Barbara W. Tuchman is a comprehensive and vivid portrayal of the 14th century, a time of significant turmoil and transformation in Europe. Tuchman uses the life of the French nobleman Enguerrand VII de Coucy as a lens through which to explore the broader social, political, and cultural upheavals of the period.
Key Themes and Content:

1. The Black Death:
   
   • One of the most catastrophic events of the century, the Black Death, is central to Tuchman’s narrative. She describes the devastating impact of the plague, which killed an estimated one-third of Europe’s population. The epidemic led to profound social and economic changes, including labor shortages, shifts in power dynamics, and a deep sense of mortality that permeated the culture.
2. The Hundred Years' War:
   
   • The prolonged conflict between England and France, known as the Hundred Years' War, is another key focus of the book. Tuchman details the causes, major battles, and the political intrigue that characterized the war. She also examines the war's impact on both the nobility and the common people, highlighting the widespread destruction and the burden of taxation it imposed.
3. Feudalism and Chivalry:
   
   • The book explores the feudal system and the code of chivalry that dominated medieval society. Tuchman uses Enguerrand de Coucy’s life to illustrate the ideals and realities of knighthood, including the tension between the romanticized image of chivalry and the brutal realities of warfare and power struggles.
4. Social and Economic Upheaval:
   
   • Tuchman discusses the social and economic upheavals of the 14th century, including peasant revolts like the Jacquerie in France and the Peasants' Revolt in England. These uprisings were fueled by the economic distress caused by war, plague, and the heavy burden of feudal obligations.
5. Religious Turmoil:
   
   • The book also delves into the religious turmoil of the century, including the Avignon Papacy and the Great Schism, which divided the Catholic Church and undermined its authority. Tuchman explores how these crises in the Church contributed to a general sense of disillusionment and the questioning of established institutions.
6. Cultural and Intellectual Life:
   
   • Despite the chaos, the 14th century also saw significant cultural and intellectual developments. Tuchman highlights the contributions of figures like Petrarch and Boccaccio, who were precursors to the Renaissance. She also discusses the impact of the changing worldview brought about by the plague, war, and social unrest on art, literature, and philosophy.
7. The Life of Enguerrand VII de Coucy:
   
   • Through the life of Enguerrand VII de Coucy, Tuchman provides a personal perspective on the events of the century. De Coucy, a powerful and respected nobleman, was involved in many of the century’s key events, and his life serves as a microcosm of the broader historical forces at play.

Conclusion:"A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous 14th Century" is a richly detailed and engaging exploration of one of the most tumultuous periods in European history. Barbara Tuchman’s narrative brings the 14th century to life, capturing both the grandeur and the tragedy of the age. Through her vivid portrayal of events like the Black Death, the Hundred Years' War, and the decline of feudalism, Tuchman shows how the challenges and crises of the 14th century reflect broader human experiences that resonate even in modern times. The book is an essential read for anyone interested in medieval history and the forces that have shaped the world.

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Early Modern Period (1500 CE – 1800 CE)

Merry E. Wiesner-Hanks' "Early Modern Europe, 1450–1789" provides a thorough and engaging exploration of European history from the late Middle Ages through the Enlightenment. The book covers a wide array of topics, emphasizing the complexity and interconnectedness of social, cultural, political, and economic changes during this transformative period.
1. Political and Economic Transformations

• State Formation: The book discusses the rise of centralized nation-states and the development of modern political systems. Monarchies strengthened their power through absolutism and the consolidation of territories, while other areas experienced the rise of republican forms of government.
• Economic Changes: The period saw significant economic shifts, including the rise of capitalism, the expansion of trade networks, and the impact of colonialism. The growth of cities and the commercialization of agriculture also played crucial roles in reshaping European societies.

2. Social Structures and Daily Life

• Class and Society: Wiesner-Hanks delves into the social hierarchies of early modern Europe, examining the roles of nobility, clergy, and the burgeoning middle class. She also highlights the persistence of peasant life and the challenges faced by the poor.
• Gender and Family: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to exploring the roles of women and the concept of gender. The author examines how women's roles were shaped by religion, law, and economic necessity, and how these roles evolved over time.
• Religion and Society: The Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Counter-Reformation were pivotal in shaping the religious landscape of Europe. These movements not only affected spiritual life but also had profound political and social consequences.

3. Cultural and Intellectual Developments

• The Renaissance: The Renaissance is explored as a cultural movement that began in Italy and spread throughout Europe, influencing art, literature, and humanism. Wiesner-Hanks connects the Renaissance to broader social and political changes, highlighting its impact on education and intellectual life.
• The Scientific Revolution: The book covers the Scientific Revolution as a period of groundbreaking discoveries and the development of new methodologies in science. Key figures such as Galileo, Newton, and Descartes are discussed, as well as the broader implications of scientific advancements for European thought.
• The Enlightenment: The Enlightenment is presented as a culmination of early modern intellectual trends, promoting reason, individualism, and secularism. The book examines how Enlightenment ideas influenced political thought, including concepts of liberty, democracy, and human rights.

4. Religious Conflicts and Wars

• Religious Wars: The book covers the devastating religious wars that swept through Europe, including the Thirty Years' War and the French Wars of Religion. These conflicts were deeply intertwined with political power struggles and had lasting impacts on European society.
• Religious Tolerance: Over time, the violence of religious conflict led to a slow but significant shift towards religious tolerance and the separation of church and state in some regions.

5. Colonialism and Global Connections

• European Expansion: The book examines the expansion of European powers into the Americas, Africa, and Asia, focusing on the economic, political, and cultural impacts of colonialism. The establishment of empires and the global exchange of goods, ideas, and people are key themes.
• Impact on Europe: Wiesner-Hanks also considers how global interactions influenced European societies, including the introduction of new goods, the transatlantic slave trade, and the wealth generated by colonial enterprises.

6. Conclusion: The Road to Modernity

• Transition to Modernity: The book concludes by discussing the gradual transition from the early modern period to the modern era. It highlights the complex interplay of forces—social, economic, political, and cultural—that set the stage for the revolutions and changes of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, including the French Revolution.

Key Themes

• Interconnectedness: The book emphasizes the interconnected nature of political, economic, social, and cultural developments in early modern Europe.
• Continuity and Change: Wiesner-Hanks explores the tension between continuity and change, showing how traditional structures adapted to or resisted new ideas and practices.
• Diversity of Experience: The book highlights the diversity of experiences across Europe, taking into account regional differences, the roles of various social groups, and the impact of gender on historical developments.

"Early Modern Europe, 1450–1789" is a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of a formative period in European history, providing insights into the forces that shaped the modern world.

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Modern Period (1800 CE – Present)

The 19th Century (1800 CE – 1900 CE)

The Age of Revolution: 1789-1848" by Eric Hobsbawm is a seminal work that explores the transformative period in European and global history between the French Revolution and the revolutions of 1848. Hobsbawm examines how political, economic, social, and cultural changes during this period laid the foundations for the modern world.
Key Themes and Content:

1. The Dual Revolutions:
   
   • Hobsbawm introduces the concept of the "dual revolutions" to describe the interconnected impact of the French Revolution (1789) and the Industrial Revolution (beginning in Britain in the late 18th century). He argues that these two events were the driving forces behind the profound transformations that reshaped Europe and eventually the world.
2. Political Revolution:
   
   • The book delves into the French Revolution, exploring its causes, key events, and outcomes. Hobsbawm discusses how the revolution challenged the old feudal and monarchical order, leading to the spread of republican and liberal ideas across Europe. The rise of Napoleon Bonaparte and the Napoleonic Wars are also examined as extensions of the revolutionary impact.
3. Industrial Revolution:
   
   • Hobsbawm provides an analysis of the Industrial Revolution, focusing on its origins in Britain and its spread to other parts of Europe and beyond. He discusses the technological innovations, changes in production methods, and the growth of capitalism. The revolution brought about significant economic and social changes, including urbanization, the rise of the working class, and shifts in social structures.
4. Social and Economic Impact:
   
   • The book explores the far-reaching consequences of the dual revolutions on European society. Hobsbawm discusses the rise of new social classes, particularly the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, and how these changes led to new social conflicts and ideologies. The increasing disparity between the wealthy industrialists and the working poor is a central theme.
5. Ideological Developments:
   
   • Hobsbawm examines the emergence of new political ideologies during this period, including liberalism, nationalism, socialism, and conservatism. These ideologies were responses to the changes brought about by the dual revolutions and would shape the political landscape of Europe and the world in the 19th and 20th centuries.
6. Cultural and Intellectual Changes:
   
   • The book also covers the cultural and intellectual transformations of the period, including the Romantic movement, which was both a reaction to and a product of the changes brought by the revolutions. Hobsbawm discusses how art, literature, and philosophy reflected and influenced the evolving social and political environment.
7. The Revolutionary Wave of 1848:
   
   • Hobsbawm concludes with the revolutions of 1848, often referred to as the "Springtime of Nations." These uprisings were fueled by the economic distress, social tensions, and political aspirations that had been building since the earlier revolutions. While many of the 1848 revolutions failed to achieve their immediate goals, they marked a turning point in European history and set the stage for future political developments.

Conclusion:"The Age of Revolution: 1789-1848" by Eric Hobsbawm is a comprehensive and insightful analysis of one of the most transformative periods in history. Hobsbawm’s exploration of the dual revolutions provides a framework for understanding the profound changes that reshaped Europe and laid the foundations for the modern world. The book is widely regarded as a classic in historical scholarship, offering a deep and nuanced understanding of the forces that drove the political, economic, social, and cultural developments of the 19th century.

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The 20th Century (1900 CE – 2000 CE)

In this landmark account, renowned historian Barbara W. Tuchman re-creates the first month of World War I: thirty days in the summer of 1914 that determined the course of the conflict, the century, and ultimately our present world. Beginning with the funeral of Edward VII, Tuchman traces each step that led to the inevitable clash. And inevitable it was, with all sides plotting their war for a generation. Dizzyingly comprehensive and spectacularly portrayed with her famous talent for evoking the characters of the war’s key players, Tuchman’s magnum opus is a classic for the ages.

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The “dean of Cold War historians” (The New York Times) now presents the definitive account of the global confrontation that dominated the last half of the twentieth century. Drawing on newly opened archives and the reminiscences of the major players, John Lewis Gaddis explains not just what happened but why—from the months in 1945 when the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. went from alliance to antagonism to the barely averted holocaust of the Cuban Missile Crisis to the maneuvers of Nixon and Mao, Reagan and Gorbachev. Brilliant, accessible, almost Shakespearean in its drama, The Cold War stands as a triumphant summation of the era that, more than any other, shaped our own.

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No other powerful empire ever bequeathed such mountains of evidence about its birth and destruction as the Third Reich. When the bitter war was over, and before the Nazis could destroy their files, the Allied demand for unconditional surrender produced an almost hour-by-hour record of the nightmare empire built by Adolph Hitler. This record included the testimony of Nazi leaders and of concentration camp inmates, the diaries of officials, transcripts of secret conferences, army orders, private letters—all the vast paperwork behind Hitler's drive to conquer the world.

The famed foreign correspondent and historian William L. Shirer, who had watched and reported on the Nazis since 1925, spent five and a half years sifting through this massive documentation. The result is a monumental study that has been widely acclaimed as the definitive record of one of the most frightening chapters in the history of mankind.

Here is the complete story of Hitler's empire, one of the most important stories ever told, written by one of the men best equipped to write it.

This worldwide bestseller has been acclaimed as the definitive book on Nazi Germany; it is a classic work.

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​The 21st Century (2000 CE – Present)

One mark of a great book is that it makes you see things in a new way, and Mr. Friedman certainly succeeds in that goal," the Nobel laureate Joseph E. Stiglitz wrote in The New York Times reviewing The World Is Flat in 2005. In this new edition, Thomas L. Friedman includes fresh stories and insights to help us understand the flattening of the world. Weaving new information into his overall thesis, and answering the questions he has been most frequently asked by parents across the country, this third edition also includes two new chapters--on how to be a political activist and social entrepreneur in a flat world; and on the more troubling question of how to manage our reputations and privacy in a world where we are all becoming publishers and public figures.

The World Is Flat 3.0 is an essential update on globalization, its opportunities for individual empowerment, its achievements at lifting millions out of poverty, and its drawbacks--environmental, social, and political, powerfully illuminated by the Pulitzer Prize--winning author of The Lexus and the Olive Tree.

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rom the author of Al-Qaeda, Jason Burke's The 9/11 Wars is an essential book for understanding the dangerous and unstable world of the 21st century. On September 11th, 2001, in a series of coordinated suicide attacks, terrorists destroyed New York's World Trade Center and a substantial portion of the Pentagon. Since the Twin Towers fell, the world has seen the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, the downfall of Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden, bombings, battles, and riots. Hundreds of thousands of people have died in the "war on terror." Whether reporting on the riots in France or the attack on Mumbai, suicide bombers in Iraq or British troops fighting in Helmand Province in Afghanistan, Jason Burke's The 9/11 Wars, named 2011 Book of the Year by the Daily Telegraph, Economist, and Independent, tells the story of a world that changed forever when the hijacked planes flew out of the brilliant blue sky above Manhattan on September 11th.

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With the end of the Cold War, the victory of liberal democracy seemed final. Observers declared the end of history, confident in a peaceful, globalized future. This faith was misplaced. Authoritarianism returned to Russia, as Vladimir Putin found fascist ideas that could be used to justify rule by the wealthy. In the 2010s, it has spread from east to west, aided by Russian warfare in Ukraine and cyberwar in Europe and the United States. 

Russia found allies among nationalists, oligarchs, and radicals everywhere, and its drive to dissolve Western institutions, states, and values found resonance within the West itself.  The rise of populism, the British vote against the EU, and the election of Donald Trump were all Russian goals, but their achievement reveals the vulnerability of Western societies.

In this forceful and unsparing work of contemporary history, based on vast research as well as personal reporting, Snyder goes beyond the headlines to expose the true nature of the threat to democracy and law. To understand the challenge is to see, and perhaps renew, the fundamental political virtues offered by tradition and demanded by the future. By revealing the stark choices before us--between equality or oligarchy, individuality or totality, truth and falsehood--Snyder restores our understanding of the basis of our way of life, offering a way forward in a time of terrible uncertainty.

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