Simon Sebag Montefiore Goes Into the World | Andrew Roberts | Hoover Institution
Jan 5, 2023
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British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore discusses his new book that analyzes global events through famous families. They delve into writing modern life as history with a focus on Putin's invasion of Ukraine. They also explore the dark history of the slave trade, the dangers faced by historians, and the interactions of Tamur the Great with historian Ibn Khaldun.
Simon Sebag Montefiore's book, The World, a Family History, explores the importance of family dynamics in shaping historical events, focusing on both nuclear families and power families.
Historians have a crucial role in providing an authentic record of events and challenging dominant narratives, despite the risks and attempts by rulers to manipulate history for their own interests.
Deep dives
The World, a Family History: An Intimate Approach to World History
Simon C. Bagmont, a British historian, discusses his new book, The World, a Family History, which offers a unique perspective on world history through the lens of family history. Bagmont aims to combine the span of world history with the intimacy of biography, focusing on the often overlooked aspects of family dynamics in historical events. By highlighting the importance of nuclear families and power families, Bagmont reveals the struggles for power and the different dynamics within these family structures. Through the book, Bagmont explores various historical figures and dynasties, including the Hashemites, the Genghis Khan and Tamalayn family, and the Montefuries. While addressing the darker aspects of history such as slavery and war, the book ultimately celebrates the power of love, human ingenuity, and creativity.
The Role of History and Historians in Societies
Simon C. Bagmont discusses the dangers and risks faced by historians throughout history. He highlights how history has been manipulated and controlled by rulers and dynasties to serve their own interests and maintain power. Bagmont emphasizes the importance of historians in providing an authentic and continuous record of events, challenging dominant narratives, and offering new perspectives. He shares examples such as the assassination of Ibn Khaldun's brother by a jealous historian and the attempts to control history by figures like Stalin and Putin. Despite the risks, Bagmont believes that historians have the power to shape public understanding and play a vital role in societies.
The Intertwining of Politics, Power, and Family Dynasties
In his book, Simon C. Bagmont explores the intricate connections between politics, power, and family dynasties throughout history. He examines how dynasties have dominated and influenced political landscapes across different regions. Bagmont discusses notable families, such as the Hashemites, Caesars, the ruling house of Benin, the Mughal dynasty, and the Alexandrian dynasties. He delves into the complexity of power dynamics within families, from democratically elected dynasties known as demo dynasties to absolute monarchies and autocratic rulers. Bagmont emphasizes that family has played a significant role in different societies, offering continuity, reassurance, and a sense of legitimacy, even as power shifts over time.
A Wide-Ranging Perspective: From Slavery to Music
Simon C. Bagmont's book covers a wide range of topics and themes, offering an inclusive perspective on world history. He delves into the history of slavery, shedding light on the Atlantic slave trade as well as lesser-known slave trades in East Africa and the Mediterranean. Bagmont also includes the contributions of women throughout history, challenging stereotypes and examining the roles of female rulers and their impact on society. Additionally, he explores the significance of music in history, highlighting how songs can capture the essence of different historical periods and serve as commentaries on historical events. Bagmont reflects on the horrors of history, but ultimately ends on an optimistic note, celebrating human resilience, creativity, and the capacity for change.
British historian Simon Sebag Montefiore has written a new history of the World, which analyzes the last 10,000 years of global events through the prism of famous (and often infamous) families.
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