Structure of World History
* Book: The Structure of World History: From Modes of Production to Modes of Exchange. by Kojin Karatani. Duke University Press, 2014
for more details, see: Evolution of the Structure of World History Through Modes of Exchange
Description
Ajni:
"Developed by Japanese philosopher Kōjin Karatani through his seminal work The Structure of World History (and other works), the Modes of Exchange Framework offers a departure from the traditional Marxist analysis that views social relations solely through the lens of modes of production – those who own the means of production and those who work it.
Karatani felt the need to undertake this critique and departure after the collapse of the Soviet Union, which many believe signaled the triumph of Western liberalism and capitalism over communism. Karatani saw a dynamic between capital, nation, and state that other academics and philosophers had yet to notice, leading them to have incomplete interpretations of history that impacted our ability to assess the present historical moment. By developing this perspective, Karatani attempts to rethink history and introduces a new structure by which to do so.
Marxists have used the concept of historical materialism to explain history and its relations, which has proved useful. However, these theoretical frameworks proved insufficient in explaining the complexities and nuances of world history, especially as they pertain to indigenous history and wisdom and the role of universal religions and social movements."
(https://ayni.institute/modesofexchange/)
Contents
Introduction. On Modes of Exchange 1
Part I. Mini World Systems 29
1. The Sedentary Revolution 35
2. The Gift and Magic 50
Part II. World-Empire 57
3. The State 63
4. World Money 81
5. World Empires 104
6. Universal Religions 127
Part III. The Modern World System 157
7. The Modern State 165
8. Industrial Capital 182
9. Nation 209
10. Associationism 228
Part IV. The Present and the Future 265
11. The Stages of Global Capitalism and Repetition 267
12. Toward a World Republic 285