Sebastian Conrad’s What is Global History? offers a seemingly comprehensive overview of the subject of global history, from an historiographical perspective. Conrad addresses many different approaches to writing global history, identifying both strengths and weaknesses of each approach. In addition, he formulates his own definition of “global history as a distinct approach.” It is clear, however, that he does not view his account of global history as the final word on the subject, and toward the end of his book he even points to what he calls “limitations of the global.” He even asks the question, “What does the global conceal?”
For the last few weeks, our readings have addressed topics and questions that some might say receive surprisingly limited attention, or are perhaps even concealed by a focus on “the global”: gender, race, and the environment. Why might these topics have received so little attention in Conrad’s book? Are they difficult topics to address in a “global perspective,” however “global,” “gender,” “race,” or the “environment” are defined? If so, why? And how might we meet and even begin to overcome those difficulties?
Imagine that Conrad is asking you for help. He has requested you to write a short essay that would help him do two things: 1) identify any shortcomings of his book that relate to its lack of attention to these topics; and 2) develop additional material for a new edition of his book that would include substantial new material on gender or the environment. What help can you offer him?
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