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Theodore H. Von Laue

The World Revolution of Westernization: The Twentieth Century in Global Perspective First Edition

by Theodore H. Von Laue (Author)

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In this stunningly original and controversial book, Theodore Von Laue presents an entirely new perspective for understanding the dynamics of 20th century history. The author argues that the global violence and warfare of this century are the consequences of the little understood world
revolution of Westernization. Accounting for world wars, the rise of communism and fascism, decolonization, third world dictatorships, and contemporary terrorism, he describes the twin processes of the expansion of western power and the emergence of global interdependence.
The ascendance of Europe had, by the turn of the century, brought all parts of the world under its influence and control. Westerners have seen such global emulation as a "civilizing" process. But Von Laue contends that the rest of the world's attempt to catch up with the West militarily,
economically, and politically has been a traumatic experience as societies have been forced to undergo in a few decades, changes that Europeans underwent in many centuries, causing many countries to fall prey to totalitarian regimes and military strife. "Western power and western culture" Von Laue
writes, "have inflicted a permanent cultural revolution upon the unprepared non-western peoples by foisting upon them the necessity of abject imitation."
Von Laue's journey through the 20th century begins in the 1870s with the British raj in India. He considers the colonization of Africa, the fall of the Ottoman Empire, and the special case of Japan, before moving on to the World War I era, the communist and fascist "counter-revolutions," the
Great Depression, Stalinism and Hitler's unleashing of World War II. In his analysis of the post-war era, the United States emerges as the foremost superpower, and the nuclear arms race the most dangerous of all global tensions. He pays special attention to the experiences of leaders in newly
independent nations: Nehru in India; Sukarno in Indonesia; Nasser in Egypt; and Nkrumah in Ghana; he also analyses Mao's China.
As a challenging history of the contemporary age, this book will make its readers think, whether in agreement or disagreement, more globally and compassionately about the complex issues that threaten our peace and survival as we prepare to enter the 21st century.

ISBN-10

0195049063
ISBN-13

978-0195049060
Edition

First Edition
Publisher

Oxford University Press
Publication date

January 7, 1988
Language

English
Dimensions

6.75 x 1.5 x 9.75 inches
Print length

416 pages
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4.8 out of 5

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Buying used paid off. Analysis remains accurate and powerful

Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2019

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The original price for this book was about $12.00. Given our current late-capitalist-hyper-inflation, it is now listed at about double that. I bought a used copy at a great price that is as good as new. 5 stars to the distributor!

The writing is worth another solid 5 stars. I recently spent some time in China. I was interested to see how closely von Laue's--now 20-year old--analysis of China matched current realities. It does!

Although the book is essentially a critique of fatal Western hubris and ignorance, a paternalistic tone toward non-Westerners sometimes seems to creep in.

Although von Laue was writing before the more obvious impacts of human-induced climate breakdown were mainstream news, he warned about the mania of unlimited economic growth on a finite planet--a message that remains ignored by far too many. This book is essential reading for anyone hoping to gain a better understanding of our turbulent present.

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M. Wood

Solid, original work

Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2016

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This is a cerebral analysis of how the world shifted in response to the hegemonic West in the twentieth century. This book is short on notes but heavy on interpretation and broad descriptions of what was going on in the non-Western world, both good and (mostly) bad. Von Laue sees all the ideological responses to the west in the 20th century- communism, fascism, and various nationalisms across the globe - as mimicking the western model in terms of achieving power. A serious determinist and not here to fight moral battles, Von Laue wants the reader to understand the shortcomings of the poorer parts of the world and increase mutual understanding between cultures. This book feels brutally realist in its analysis yet naive in its prescriptions.

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S. Elliott

Absolutely Superb and easy reading if you’ve done the spadework

Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2019

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I have been an avid reader of history — local, national, and international — and learner of key foreign languages for most of my life and international career. Very, very few authors rise to the level of this book by Theodore von Laue — William McNeil’s powerful essay “Mythohistory” comes to mind. Imagine it expanded to 400 pages!

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Kent McCarthy

Perfect

Reviewed in the United States on July 18, 2019

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Great condition, just as promised. Nicely done.

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The World Revolution of Westernization: The Twentieth Century in Global Perspective First Edition

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