The World's Best Book Summaries
What difference does geography make to history? What impact did the East have on the West in the ancient world? The Silk Roads began in the ancient world, so it’s here that historian Peter Frankopan begins his examination of the history of the connection between East and West. He provides an overview of the Persian, Greek, and Roman empires, particularly in regard to Asia. Keep reading for Frankopan’s history of the ancient world.
What are the predictions for the next recession? How bad will the recession be? How can you prepare? Concerns about recession in the U.S. economy are rising. The majority of economists predict that the economy will go into recession in the near future due to the combination of persistent inflation and rising interest rates. Read on to learn the likelihood of the next recession, based on predictions from President Biden, analysts, and economists.
How did the global balance of power shift in the 20th century? How did these balances shape wars, and how did wars shape them? In The Silk Roads, historian Peter Frankopan identifies Central and Western Asia as the battleground where the great empires of history rose and fell. He argues that understanding the East is crucial to our understanding of the world—particularly for Westerners who have lost this global perspective. Keep reading for Frankopan’s discussion of the global balance of power in the 20th century.
What’s one of the top problems in public health in the United States? Why is public health spending so underfunded? Public health spending in the U.S. is extremely low compared to other developed countries, and it has been for decades. Primary areas of concern are data infrastructure and preventive measures, such as public education and health screenings. Keep reading to learn more about the underfunding problem in the U.S. public health system.
Why does everyone fight over oil? How does this struggle affect the balance of power in the world? In ancient times, Persia was prized by the great powers of the world for its wealth and location. In modern times, the area is prized for its oil. The discovery of this commodity altered the world’s political landscape forever. Continue reading for a historical overview of oil and politics.
How far did the Russian Empire extend? How was it a threat to the British Empire? Did this clash lead to World War I? The rise of the Russian Empire began in the early 1800s, and its eventual expansion posed a threat to the interests of the British Empire. The clash between these two powers impacted the world for years to come. Keep reading to learn about the Russian Empire vs. the British Empire.
What were the origins of the Black Death? What impact did the plague have on society? Are there similarities to the Covid-19 pandemic? In The Silk Roads, historian Peter Frankopan discusses the Black Death in the context of East-West dynamics. He notes how it changed the world economy and the balance of power. Some commentators compare that shift to today’s Great Resignation. Keep reading to understand the impact of the Black Death and how it compares to what we’re seeing with Covid-19.
Why did Spain and Portugal decline in power? How did England take their place as the economic center of Europe? As the Middle Ages gave way to the early modern period, Europe began to enjoy global economic dominance. One power, in particular, emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries: England. Historian Peter Frankopan explains how this small nation became so powerful. Read more to learn about the rise of the British Empire.
If we were to abolish the Federal Reserve, how should we go about it? What are some alternatives to the Fed? Edward Griffin believes the Fed destabilizes the economy and encourages banks to engage in fraudulent practices that harm the public and benefit the elite. In his book, The Creature from Jekyll Island, he identifies four major problems with the Fed and insists that it should be abolished. Read more to learn Griffin’s proposed two-step strategy to abolish the Federal Reserve.
Why is the Federal Reserve bad for the economy? In what ways is it harmful and even unethical? Even if you don’t believe there’s a sinister conspiracy behind the Fed, you might be interested to know that there are plenty of other reasons why it should be abolished. That’s the assertion of Edward Griffin, who calls out four major problems with the system. Continue reading to learn about these four ways the Fed does more harm than good.