Society Archives

The Square and the Tower by Niall Ferguson: Book Overview

What if you apply network theory to history? How do societal hierarchies impact war and peace? Historians typically focus on the history of governments and other institutions that are organized as formal hierarchies. The Square and the Tower by Niall Ferguson shows that other types of networks also affect society. He sets out to show how such alternate networks have affected the world. Continue reading for an overview of this book that helps us see the past in a new way.

What Is Network Theory? Historian Niall Ferguson Explains

What is network theory? How does it explain the way humans interact and organize themselves? In The Square and the Tower, best-selling author and Stanford University historian Niall Ferguson applies network theory to the study of world history. He describes social, commercial, and other networks that existed at various times in history. First, he explains what network theory is and how networks operate. Read more to understand what network theory is and to learn about different types of networks.

Hierarchical Network Model in Society: 3 Truths About Hierarchies

What, exactly, is a hierarchy? What does a hierarchical network look like in society? Historian Niall Ferguson applies network theory to his analysis of world history. In doing so, he makes three key observations: Hierarchies are necessary to maintain social order, additional networks tend to undermine hierarchies, and hierarchies can deal with only a limited amount of complexity. Continue reading to see how Ferguson applies the hierarchical network model to society.

Seeing World Hierarchies Through the Lens of Network Theory

What role does hierarchy play in keeping the peace? What impact do totalitarian hierarchies have on people? In The Square and the Tower, best-selling author and Stanford University historian Niall Ferguson applies network theory—the study of how people and other entities connect with each other—to the study of world history to reveal, among other truths, whether government hierarchies are truly necessary. Read more to understand world hierarchies through this lens.

The Future of the Networked Age: Niall Ferguson Spots the Trends

Where’s the growing connectedness of the world headed? Is a global Utopia in our future? Certain visionaries, social media proponents, and Silicon Valley entrepreneurs argue that making the world more connected through social media and global commerce will contribute to building a utopian future of world peace and equality. Niall Ferguson contends that this isn’t the case. Keep reading to understand Ferguson’s argument as he applies network theory to the future of our networked age.

Can the Affordable Housing Crisis Be Solved With Rent Control?

Would rent control protocols help solve the affordable housing crisis? What is rent control and why is it so controversial? Years of soaring rents have led some Democrats to call on the White House to implement national rent control regulations. Supporters argue that national rent control is urgently needed. Critics contend that federal rent control rules would harm renters, landlords, and communities Keep reading to learn more about national rent control.

Why Love Is Important in Relationships, Society, & for Yourself

Can love really change the world? Why is love important in all aspects of life? Love is a powerful emotion that builds bonds and encourages positivity. This warm feeling extends beyond the romantic type of love, as it serves a purpose for families, society, and your own self-image. If you want to know why love is important in the world, continue reading.

Shoplifting Is on the Rise: Here Are Causes & Solutions

Why is shoplifting on the rise? Why are professional shoplifters unafraid of the consequences? IS the shoplifting narrative exaggerated? US shoplifting losses reached $100 billion in 2021, marking a significant increase from pre-pandemic levels. Experts are divided on the causes of the shoplifting surge and disagree on whether shoplifting is an unprecedented crisis or an exaggerated narrative pushed by retailers. Keep reading to learn more about the rise in retail theft.

Malcolm X’s Mother: Lessons From the Life of Louise Little

Who was Malcolm X’s mother? What role did she play in his life? What can her life teach us today? Though she looked white, Louise Little was a multiracial woman who was married to a Black man in the first half of the 20th century. Malcolm X writes about how his mother endured the tragic death of her husband, struggled to find work during the Great Depression, and ultimately lost access to her children. Read more to learn about the life of Malcolm X’s mother and what it reveals about the era she lived in.

Is In-Person Shopping Replacing E-Commerce Again?

Is in-person shopping coming back full steam? Is e-commerce on the decline? E-commerce’s explosive pandemic growth appears to be moderating, with a growing number of shoppers returning to in-person shopping for items like clothes, food, and furniture. Some experts believe that e-commerce has peaked and is in decline, while others think it’s still going strong. Keep reading for two views on the future of e-commerce.