Through the first half of her book, Abu-Lughod makes very clear the importance of trade, especially in the beginning of a somewhat globalized world. Post thirteenth century, the regions of the world came together through trading items that were unique to each culture. This way, there was an interaction and connection between these areas, even if they were not all particularly thorough. Essentially, relations came from this exchange of goods. Set-backs include crazy dictators, and disease such as the Black Plague among others.
What is most intriguing to me, although it may be a bit ignorant: the areas and "empires" that were so active during these periods have taken quite the back seat in current times. Regions that were so prosperous then are now hardly spoken of and are not very active in today's economy. How often to we read about Mongolia in the news? Perhaps this may be tied into China and Japan's "introspective" approaches to business throughout their countries. They are constantly progressing today, especially technologically and seem to be the areas now that may dominate the world market.
One idea that has always boggled me is the notion of a one world government. It seems that all this would entail is a single leader to dictate a universal sort of code of conduct. This would encompass everything: economy, politics, judicial systems. Does this idea have any validity at all? After reading this section of Before European Hegemony, it seems that every area makes its contribution even today. How could all of the countries of the world submit to such a thing?
A. Gorno
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To reply to your final question, I think that the idea of a world government is becoming increasingly farfetch'd. As the world grows in population resources become harder to come by. It would be far too hard for one government to organize the use of these resources effectively. Some party would always end up dissatisfied.
ReplyDelete-Roman
It seems to me that we are very slowly moving toward a world government, or at least a higher level government to regulate the national governments. The United Nations is continuously trying to control other countries and pressuring them into adopting their 'ideal' set of policies, as well as establishing international laws. In the US, we are lucky to have resisted most of the UN's pressures to change our constitution.
ReplyDeleteAh, world government. Can it be achieved? Certainly, it would not easy. Impossible, many would say.
ReplyDeleteYet the story of European Union is an interesting case to consider - before the Second World War, an idea of such a union would be also laughed out...