Age of Revolutions
Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Published:11th Apr '24
Should be back in stock very soon
This book explores the historical context of revolutions and their impact on today's political landscape, particularly examining populism and democracy.
In Age of Revolutions, the renowned author delves into the historical and contemporary upheavals that shape our current tumultuous era. With a focus on the concept of 'illiberal democracy,' the narrative draws on extensive research and insights from influential figures such as Emmanuel Macron and Lee Kuan Yew. This comprehensive exploration connects the dots between past revolutions and today's populist movements, revealing the cyclical nature of progress and backlash throughout history.
The book begins by tracing the origins of classical liberalism, highlighting the Dutch Republic as a beacon of individual liberty. Zakaria examines how ideas from this early modern republic influenced the English 'Glorious Revolution' and the subsequent waves of change that followed. He contrasts these moments of progress with the more dangerous consequences of top-down revolutions, such as the French Revolution, emphasizing that meaningful change often emerges from grassroots movements.
As the narrative unfolds, Age of Revolutions addresses the modern challenges posed by globalization, digital transformation, and identity politics. Zakaria warns of the threats posed by authoritarian figures like Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, who seek to undermine the democratic values established during the Enlightenment. The book ultimately serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of liberalism and the potential for populism and tribalism to fill the void left by a disenchanted populace.
This is the indispensable book for understanding the world today. Fareed Zakaria tackles the central question of our age: What are the causes of the seismic social disruptions we are going through and the political backlashes that have ensued? Connecting five centuries of history to a deep understanding of our current anxieties, he shows how transformations in technology, economics, and politics interact. We are living through one of the most revolutionary ages in history, and the resulting disruptions have led to a clash between those who celebrate progress, open markets, and technology versus those who resist them. Zakaria argues that we must infuse our journey forward with moral meaning and restore a sense of pride in the ideals of freedom, individual rights, and democracy. The result is both a fascinating look at history and an inspiring vision for the future -- Walter Isaacson
Powerful ... Zakaria’s book will help readers feel honoured and grateful that we get to be part of this glorious and ongoing liberal journey. He understands that we liberals can’t just offer economic benefits; we also have to make the spiritual and civic case for our way of life -- David Brooks * The New York Times *
Zakaria has figured out policy wonkery and TV, and many points between. The Indian-born pundit could thus claim to be America’s best-known tutor on world events. Even by his standards, however, Age of Revolutions is breathtakingly ambitious ... Age of Revolutions successfully bridges the divide between the general reader and the academic. It is an easy read that offers fresh perspective. That is no mean feat -- Edward Luce * Financial Times *
Zakaria believes that we can and do make progress. But he is wary of the assumption that history tends to move in the direction of ever-greater human flourishing ... Zakaria’s book represents an attempt to distinguish between revolutions that have inspired thermostatic reactions and revolutions that have endured -- Gideon Lewis-Kraus * New Yorker *
Zakaria [is] a lively writer and good storyteller ... [he] warns against revolutions that move too fast and displace too many people; it now seems that’s exactly what went wrong in the last 40 years with the rise of the global economy -- Tim Wu * The New York Times *
ISBN: 9780241692417
Dimensions: 241mm x 161mm x 34mm
Weight: 614g
400 pages