Apologies for the late post, I've been wrapped up in the whole 'getting a job' business that has so far eluded much of the nation.
Last night I watched 'Is the West History?' by Niall Fergusson. I still can find no reason why Fergusson should rank as a top historian on my bookshelf, his book 'Empire' is staring at me right now. His new program poses an interesting question suggesting the Western world is on the decline after centuries of running the planet. It seems globalisation is shifting Eastward and China is destined not only to take the lead in the world markets, but also re-take it's place on the world stage as a leading civilisation
Fergusson began with an interesting look at China's global supremacy in the middle-ages until it suddenly became isolationist and inward-looking at the death of their much loved Emperor. Europe was experiencing a naval revolution that would propel the West around the world. The second episode touched upon the scientific revolution and explained why the Islamic world gave up it's lead in the field as religion took a greater position in government. Europe on the other hand put religion on a par with science, and thus paved the way for Prussia's military dominance and Britain's liberalised banking system.
His next episode will be about 'Democracy', now THAT will be interesting... He kept me gripped to the history lesson and I cannot wait to see how he approaches the answer to 'Is the West History?'.
