Political History of the World
Humans have been engaged in organized politics since ancient times, with the development of empires and nations creating their own systems of government and rule. Over the centuries, the various forms, factions, and strategies of politics have changed drastically, all while maintaining a continuity of purpose: to strive for and sustain control and power among nations and civilizations. Here, we will explore and examine the unique political histories of different countries and regions around the world, providing an overview into the complex and shifting landscape of politics over time.
The Ancient Near East
The Ancient Near East is widely recognized as one of the earliest societies to engage in politics; in fact, some of the oldest known forms of political organization date back to this region. In the mid-fourth millennium BC, the Sumerians in Mesopotamia created distinct city-states that were governed by a monarch and a bureaucracy. In ancient Egypt, involving the unification of two major kingdoms in 3100 BC, rulers were often seen as gods who were believed to be connected directly to the gods of the afterlife.
The Ancient Greeks
The ancient Greeks are credited with some of the earliest forms of democracy, including their direct democracy system which took root in around 508 BC in Athens, and was a system where citizens voted directly on laws. The Greeks eventually developed literary defenses of forms of government, using philosophical reasoning and insights to justify their political choices; this heavily influenced the Roman and early Medieval period.
The Roman Empire
The Roman Empire became a major political force in the Middle Ages, presiding over a vast area covering Europe, parts of North Africa, and the Middle East. The Romans adopted much of the original governmental structure and laws from the Greeks, and developed their own system of rule. During the period of the Roman Republic, the Senate (an assembly elected by citizens, as opposed to an appointed body), had political authority, and during the period of the Roman Empire, the Emperor had all executive power and limited legislative authority.
The Middle Ages
The Middle Ages, sometimes known as the Age of Chivalry, was a period of huge political changes. During this period, many European nations began to define themselves as distinct entities and move away from relying on the Roman Empire as a source of political power. In the north and centre of Europe, the formation of city-states and kingdoms led to the establishment of the feudal system, a hierarchical power structure based on landholding. In the south of Europe, the Mediterranean city-states such as Venice, Genoa, and Florence formed aristocratic republics, whilst in the east, the Mongol Empire expanded and controlled vast areas of central Eurasia.
The Renaissance and Early Modern Period
The Renaissance brought with it a new set of political concepts, with a renewed interest in humanism and the development of new models of government. During the period of the Protestant Reformation, Europe saw many religious and political divides, and a new set of ideologies emerged which had a profound effect on the way politics was conducted. During the later part of this period, the absolutist model of government began to emerge in many parts of Europe, where sovereignty was vested in a single ruler who wielded almost total power.
Colonialism
The period of colonialism, beginning in the sixteenth century and continuing until the twentieth century, saw many of the world’s nations come under the influence of imperial powers. European countries such as France and Britain competed for influence and economic control of the world, and colonial rule was imposed on many regions of Africa, South America, and the Middle East. In order to maintain control, colonial powers would often use both military and political means to assert their dominance over the colonial territories.
The Age of Revolution
In the late eighteenth century, a period became known as the Age of Revolution, where countries around the world began to break away from existing models of rule and create new systems. This period saw the birth of democracies and republics, as well as the emergence of people-powered movements such as the Industrial Revolution. Revolutionary fervor reached a peak in the nineteenth century, with the French Revolution in 1789 and then the revolutions of 1848 that swept across Europe, leading to the establishment of many new nations and republics.
Modern Politics
In the twentieth century, the emergence of mass media and communications technology greatly increased the power of governments and political parties, in terms of international influence and control. In the wake of two devastating world wars, the development of organizations such as the United Nations also changed the international political landscape.
The Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union drove much of the global political agenda during the latter half of the century, and the collapse of the Berlin Wall saw the end of communist rule in the Eastern Bloc nations and the emergence of new political systems and models of nationalism. In the last two decades, many countries around the world have seen the emergence of democracies and democracies mixed with authoritarian rule and post-authoritarian movements.
Political history is complex and ever-changing, and as the world continues to evolve, it is likely that there will be many more changes and developments to come. The political history of the world is full of twists, turns, and divergent paths, and the results of these changes have impacted the way in which modern governments and nations operate. From the ancient empires of the Near East, to the eras of colonialism and revolution, all the way to the modern day, the political history of the world is a testament to the creative and resilient power of human governance and influence.