The third part of Before European Hegemony begins by distinguishing between the three major circuits of the world. The Westernmost circuit was made up of mostly Muslims and was focused on trade through the Arabian Peninsula. The middle circuit was primarily Hindu. And the easternmost circuit was Chinese. While there is great cultural difference, the boundaries are not divided by culture, but rather are determined by wind patterns. Abu-Lughod argues that a major event during this period was the closing of Chinese seaports to outside nations, that subsequently resulted in the collapse of the premodern world system. Another key aspect mentioned is the southern tip of India which was a central focus for trading and people and culture exchange of the premodern world. Another very important even was the fall of Rome, which also helped decrease the successfulness of Arab merchants. At this time, China was the dominant Navy power of the sea, and they were also armed. When they left the Indian Ocean, a struggle for power ensued and from that point on commercial ships had to be accompanied by military convoys for protections. The Portugese traders were important because they brought with them piracy, and a new and different problem never before seen on the seas of the east. During this time textile manufacturing was greatly responsible for much of the Urbanization.
I would argue that there is still need for armed escorts in certain parts of the world's oceans today -- look at the piracy that takes place off the East coast of Africa, and all the hostage-taking and ransoming that is done there. Africans on the coast make a lifestyle out of this because it is the most profitable job available to them -- certainly a scary thought, and the UN has (at least at times) escorted ships in that part of the world as a safeguard against this. It's also interesting to think about how the world would have developed if the old world system hadn't collapsed. I read a book for a course last semester whose author argued that since China has historically been one of the most powerful and cultured civilizations in the world, its rise is inevitable, and so even with the collapse of that world system they were destined to return to prominence. After having read Lughod, I wonder if she would have argued with him over that, since she mentions that we can't look at history as inevitable or explanatory in that sense.
ReplyDeleteI think that comparing how far our system has come is very interesting. We look back at how things were done, and think about how much more efficient we have made it, but it was the basis of where we are today.
ReplyDeleteI Think looking back at our system from century to century it is quite remarkable how far we have actually came. I also think though even if the system back then did collapse, it would still turn out like it has today. With all of the technology and advancements it still would have been on the same level changing from century to century.
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