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

Von Laue here presents an entirely new perspective for understanding the dynamics of twentieth-century history. He 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.

About the Author :
Theodore Von Laue is Frances and Jacob Hiatt Professor of European History, Emeritus, at Clark University and author of several books, including Why Lenin? Why Stalin?

Review :
"Attempts at global perspectives aimed at avoiding such cliched thinking and suggesting innovative perspectives--and von Laue's 380-page book is one such--are well worth our scrutiny."--Comparative Civilizations Review "Very useful for helping advanced undergraduates place current global problems in a broader context."--Paul Teverow, Missouri Southern State College "In anticipation of the storms ahead, and in order to gain a better understanding of those already endured, [statesmen and the public] would be well advised to read Professor Von Laue's wise and deeply humane reflections upon our present troubled global condition."--Paul Kennedy, Times Literary Supplement "Throughout these pages, Von Laue illustrates his thesis with deftly drawn portraits of Hitler, Stalin, Mao Zedong, Kwame Nkrumah, Jawarharlal Nehru, and many other political leaders...Westernization, Von Laue...convincingly argue[s], has been an enormously influential process in world history."--Teaching History "True to form, Theodore Von Laue offers a grand vision and a provocative interpretation...Must reading for anyone who wants to gain perspective on the tumultuous twentieth century."--Theda Skocpol, Harvard University "Von Laue's effort to change our historical perspective is informed, impassioned--and controversial. His book is a consciousness-raising experience."--Bruce Mazlish, Massachusetts Institute of Technology "Written with verve, peppered with original insights."--Foreign Affairs "Von Laue ambitiously surveys our epoch from the viewpoint of acculturation: how the West has won and what that has wrought."--The Boston Globe "A fine and wise book--wise in a way few books are."--William H. McNeill, University of Chicago "Must reading for anyone who wants to gain perspective on the tumultuous twentieth century."--Theda Skocpol, Harvard University "[An] eminently readable and provocative book...[It] fits nicely with the current trend in social theory toward cultural studies and cultural analysis...A thoughtful and wise book which provides perspective on political, economic, and social processes and conflicts in the twentieth century."--Val Moghadam, Monthly Review "Excellent. [An] extraordinarily stimulating survey."--Ralph T. Fisher, Jr., University of Illinois "An interesting book regarding its focus and coverage."--Charles F. Gruber, Marshall University