In the final section of the book, "Before European Hegemony" Abu-Lughod wrote about the trade scene in the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea. She states that the water was divided into three cultural circuits. The western most circuit was mostly dominated by Muslims and included the Muslim side of the Indian peninsula. The middle circuit included the Hindu side of the peninsula, this area was also influenced by Buddhism. Finally, the Eastern circuit, mostly the South China Sea, was under the control of the Chinese. The circuits were separated due to the monsoon patterns, but many travelers traversed all three, a task that took several years.
Chapter 8 discusses India. The subcontinent was a stopping location for travelers from the Middle East and Southeast Asia since before the common era. Even though many merchants were present in the area, India did not participant in much trading, they instead focused on production. She then goes on to discuss the importance of the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia that was a melting pot of different cultures. Chapter 10 is about China's trade. China was the most advanced region. Even though the documents do not exist, a great level of trade went on between China and the rest of the world. After the Black Plague, China tried to regain its power by building a large navy that was later defeated. Economic issues caused China to retreat.
The last last chapter discusses why the west "won" the author states that the two main factors was the conquest of Europe and the enslavement of Africa.
One thing that I found interesting in this section is the fragility of world dominance. At one point in history, China was all powerful but an unpredictable turn of events caused the system to collapse at a rapid pace. This phenomena is still seen in the past day. A few Argentina was becoming a world power, then almost overnight their economy collapsed, causing over 60% of the population to live in poverty. This could very well be what we see happening in the United States.
It's to note that today the United States' power is in a very similarly precarious position as China was, and our economy is ironically now controlled by Chinese investors. I easily see how the United States economy could collapse, thus removing our status as a super power and see the Chinese quickly move in to replace us.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of the United States economy is scary for the fact that it is so probable. I feel like it is the elephant in so many house holds. It is something that we all know can happen, but I know it is not something that I like to think of happening.
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