Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present

An ideological stance that values stability and tradition over innovation. It is generally aligned with capitalism and free enterprise and advocates for upholding cultural norms. Conservatism is antagonistic to liberalism because it is resistant to change. In a positive sense, it may be seen as a tempering influence that slows an aggressive rate of progress to acceptable levels.

A contemporary period in American history during which ideologically polarized groups challenge each other’s beliefs and philosophies. This trend has coalesced around the clash of liberal and conservative values. The author sees the current culture wars as an outgrowth of tribalism in identity politics.

A term referring to the onset of the computer age beginning in the mid-20th century. More specifically, the digital revolution describes a time in which traditional forms of industry are replaced by information technology. The arrival of the internet accelerated this trend exponentially. The book defines the rise of technology as a distinctly new kind of revolution that is unlike anything the world has ever seen.

This term denotes the trend toward interdependence among nations based on economics and technology. The book emphasizes the degree to which isolationism is no longer a viable option for any nation to pursue in the 21st century, for international trade and the free exchange of ideas have made partnership and compromise more attractive strategies than nationalistic aggression.

This term denotes the dominance of one state or country over another. The word derives from the Greek term for a city-state that once held sway over other city-states. The book characterizes America as the “hegemon” that dictated world policy in the decades following the end of World War II.

Identity politics refers to the tendency within a political party for sub-groups to coalesce around certain traits that its members share in common, such as social class, ethnicity, or religion. These commonalities take precedence over the interests of the larger party to which individuals belong. The book sees this trend as another example of tribalism, which often rejects the broader societal landscape to focus instead on narrow group interests.

This term denotes a democracy in name only and applies to authoritarian states that present themselves as democracies by staging sham elections. However, in such systems, power is centralized in the hands of a few leaders rather than being vested in the people. The book suggests that such states will present the greatest diplomatic challenge for the United States in the coming decades.

This term refers to the polarity that has developed between left-leaning liberals and right-leaning conservatives. The term originated because of an architectural problem experienced by members of France’s national assembly during that country’s revolution. The room in which they met could not accommodate circular seating, so liberals congregated on the left side of the room, while conservatives gathered on the right, making the exchange of ideas between the factions difficult. These terms have persisted into modern times.

This is an ideology that promotes free speech, democracy, and innovation. Liberalism embraces change and is tolerant of opposing ideas. The author distinguishes between classical liberalism, which left room for dissent, and the current use of the term, which often equates to a radical push for change and a disrespect for more conservative values.

In the 80 years since the end of World War II, the world economy has grown and prospered without any major conflict breaking out across the globe. The author calls this period the Pax Americana. Pax is the Latin word for peace, and the term “Pax Romana” was applied to a similarly peaceful period in ancient Roman history that spanned from 27 BCE to 180 CE.

This is a political stance that appeals to the needs and concerns of common people, which are largely ignored by the elites who run society. The book discusses the rise of populism across the planet as a reaction to rapid growth and globalization. The author warns against pursuing a form of progress that does not address the concerns of those who would be harmed by rapid progress. He cites the rise of Donald Trump as the best example of a populist demagogue.

This term denotes the common strategy by which nations acquired power during the imperial age, which ended in the 20th century. The concept of realpolitik sacrifices ethical and ideological principles in favor of gaining an advantage over competitors by any means necessary. Globalization has put an end to realpolitik as a viable strategy in the current era. However, the author points out that both China and Russia may still employ variations of this tactic to gain ascendency.

This now-outdated term first arose during the Cold War to designate countries that had not aligned either with the United States or with the Soviet Union. The author mentions the term to point out the degree to which the interests of the two superpowers dictated recognition on the world stage. At this period of history, however, countries that previously fell into this category are experiencing a period of economic growth that makes them an important part of the global economy.