What De Blij says is extremely important. I have a degree in history, but I came to the conclusion that history cannot be separated from geography and that it should become "geohistory", as Braudel understood 60 years ago... The majority of historians and social scientists fear geography as they deem geographical thinking to be "deterministic"; in fact, they fail to understand the difference between conditioning and determining.
I can see how it might be "out on a limb" but lets face it, a dynasty as large as china is typically interested in one thing: Expansion. Conquering civilizations was most likely high on their list, until certain climate conflicts may have persuaded them to reconsider and focus on their own survival. Still, he's quite a good speaker, I'm reading on of his books right now and I'm enjoying it.
Ming dynastic elite probably DID get together and say "let's get isolationist" because quelling northern rebellion IS more practical, not to mention economical, then rounding the Southern cape of Africa and establishing a Chinese conquest of Europe. And besides: the Muslims were in the way, as well as on their way of interfering with the Europeans.
What De Blij says is extremely important. I have a degree in history, but I came to the conclusion that history cannot be separated from geography and that it should become "geohistory", as Braudel understood 60 years ago... The majority of historians and social scientists fear geography as they deem geographical thinking to be "deterministic"; in fact, they fail to understand the difference between conditioning and determining.
jogobonito1234 1 week ago
Europe was weakened after the fall of the Roman Empire. On top of that, the black plague.
VeritasIncrebresco 4 years ago
I can see how it might be "out on a limb" but lets face it, a dynasty as large as china is typically interested in one thing: Expansion. Conquering civilizations was most likely high on their list, until certain climate conflicts may have persuaded them to reconsider and focus on their own survival. Still, he's quite a good speaker, I'm reading on of his books right now and I'm enjoying it.
arni0202 4 years ago
i disagree:
Ming dynastic elite probably DID get together and say "let's get isolationist" because quelling northern rebellion IS more practical, not to mention economical, then rounding the Southern cape of Africa and establishing a Chinese conquest of Europe. And besides: the Muslims were in the way, as well as on their way of interfering with the Europeans.
Methinx de Blij went outon a limb here.
8888ADRIAN8888 4 years ago
What were the reasons for Europe's "weakened" state at the time?
bapyou 4 years ago
From Stockholm, Sweden: Hm. Interesting!
MauriceFlower 5 years ago