Pivot Cities in the Rise and Fall of Civilizations

This book argues that a single categorical classification of cities is inadequate and that cities have had different and varied impacts and positions throughout the history of civilization. It explores the role of great cities in political historical change, presenting an alternative view of these pivot cities from a culturalist perspective. The authors concept of pivot cities explores the interplay between vital cities and civilizations, which bears on the future of globalization at a time of instability.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 188 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Based on the author's extensive experience in both academic and public realms, particularly in foreign policy, this book argues that a singular categorization of cities is insufficient and that cities have had diverse and varied impacts and positions throughout the history of civilization. The author delves into how the formation, transformation, destruction, or reestablishment of numerous civilizational cities sheds light on the fundamental pillars of human history. These cities, which play a crucial and pivotal role in shaping the course of history and serving as a compass for understanding and interpreting this flow, are conceptualized by the author as civilizations' pivot cities. This innovative book explores the role of great cities in political historical change, presenting an alternative perspective on these pivot cities from a culturalist lens. Within this framework, the role played by pivot cities in the history of civilization can be considered under seven distinct headings: pioneering cities that founded civilizations; cities founded by civilizations; cities transplanted during the formation of civilizations; ghost cities that lost their significance due to shifts in political power and civilizational transformation; lost cities that were destroyed by civilizations; cities on lines of geocultural/geoeconomic interaction; and cities that combine, transform, or are transformed by different civilizations. The author's concept of pivot cities explores the interplay between vital cities and civilizations, which has significant implications for the future of globalization amidst instability, as projected continuing de-Westernization becomes a theme in studies of global history.

This book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the role of great cities in shaping political historical change, presenting an alternative perspective from a culturalist lens. By examining the formation, transformation, destruction, or reestablishment of numerous civilizational cities, the author sheds light on the fundamental pillars of human history. These cities, which play a crucial and pivotal role in shaping the course of history and serving as a compass for understanding and interpreting this flow, are conceptualized by the author as civilizations' pivot cities.

The book explores the role of great cities in political historical change, presenting an alternative perspective from a culturalist lens. Within this framework, the role played by pivot cities in the history of civilization can be considered under seven distinct headings: pioneering cities that founded civilizations; cities founded by civilizations; cities transplanted during the formation of civilizations; ghost cities that lost their significance due to shifts in political power and civilizational transformation; lost cities that were destroyed by civilizations; cities on lines of geocultural/geoeconomic interaction; and cities that combine, transform, or are transformed by different civilizations.

The author's concept of pivot cities explores the interplay between vital cities and civilizations, which has significant implications for the future of globalization amidst instability, as projected continuing de-Westernization becomes a theme in studies of global history. This book provides a valuable contribution to the field of urban studies and global history, offering a fresh and innovative perspective on the role.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367763909