The Human Web: A Bird's-Eye View of World History

The authors note parallels in the development of human societies, even before those societies were connected through webs. What do these parallels communicate about human behavior and survival?

Choose one of the religions discussed in the text, and explain how it functions in the web. Additionally, identify the religion’s distinguishing features relative to other popular religions, and explain why those distinctions are significant.

In Part 7, the authors assert that nationalism functions as a secular religion, and in Part 8, they attribute global disintegration in the 20th century to nationalism. Examine how nationalism functions in the 21st century and the extent to which it benefits or harms humanity’s chances of survival.

How does the text’s emphasis on shifting centers of power help wrest human history and civilization from Eurocentrism?

Although the authors consider webs and globalization homogenizing forces due to the dominance of a few imperial languages, religions, and cultures, they also note that complete homogeneity is not the reality of human society. Provide an example of how the encounter between imperial forces and local populations fostered diversity, complex similarities, or both, and articulate what that reveals about humanity.

Based on textual evidence, evaluate where the authors place the origin point of the Anthropocene? After reaching a conclusion, explain the reasons behind it.

What is the relationship between cooperation and competition in the human web(s)? Provide textual evidence to support your argument.

How does the growth of trade and wealth impact the basis and functioning of politics in different eras of human history?