In his book Navigating World History, Patrick Manning defines world history as a field of study that seeks to understand the connections and interactions between different regions and societies throughout human history. He argues that this approach is necessary to understand the global context of historical events and how different societies have influenced one another.
Manning’s definition of world history is useful in highlighting the importance of considering the global context of historical events. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of how different societies have interacted with and influenced one another rather than viewing them in isolation (Manning, 2003). However, this approach is not entirely new and is similar to the methods used in area studies. It is important to note that while both approaches focus on the connections and interactions between different regions and societies, world history takes a broader approach by looking at the entire world and its history. In contrast, area studies typically focus on a specific region or society.
I am familiar with some of the works mentioned in Manning’s book, such as those by J. M. Blaut and Andre Gunder Frank, which also focus on the connections and interactions between different regions and societies throughout history. My research interests are focused on the history of colonialism and imperialism and how they have shaped the modern world (Manning, 2003). This fits into the scheme of world history as it highlights the connections and interactions between colonizing powers and colonized societies and how these relationships have affected the development of different regions.
In conclusion, world history is a viable field of historical inquiry. It allows for a more comprehensive understanding of human history by considering the connections and interactions between different regions and societies. However, it is important to recognize that it is not a completely new approach but rather an expansion of the methods used in area studies.
Reference
Manning, P. (2003). Navigating world history: Historians create a global past. Palgrave Macmillan. Pp 1–118.