Political History: From Antiquity to 1918 (Book)

Oral Sander is an academic who has made significant contributions to the fields of international relations and political science in Türkiye. Sander, recognized as one of the pioneers of international relations theory in Türkiye, has left a lasting mark in his field through both his academic activities and his publications. Oral Sander’s book Political History: From Ancient Times to 1918 is a comprehensive work examining the political development of humanity. The book traces the transformation of politics from the emergence of civilizations to 1918 within a chronological framework. Sander provides a foundational framework for understanding the origins of international relations. Work does not limit itself to merely narrating political events but also analyzes the social, economic, and cultural dynamics underlying them.

Political History: From Ancient Times to 1918

Content of the Book

From Ancient Times to the Middle Ages: The Rise of Civilizations

At the beginning of the book, Sander examines the emergence of the earliest Era civilizations and the formation of their political structures. Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, and the Indian civilizations are among the central topics, focusing on the political organization of these early societies. The book evaluates the rise of empires, centralized authority, and political relations among nations within their historical context. Upon reaching the Middle Ages, the influence of feudal structures and religious authorities on politics is analyzed in detail. The Crusades, the power of the Church, and the transformation of the political order are key focal points of this period.

Renaissance and Reformation: The Birth of the Modern State

The book elaborates on the impact of the Renaissance and Reform movements on political structures. The Renaissance is not viewed merely as a cultural movement but as a pivotal period during which centralized authority was revitalized and the foundations of the modern state were laid. Sander analyzes how the Reformation contributed to the weakening of religious authority and the secularization of political order. In this section, the emergence of modern diplomatic practices in Europe and the foundations of balance of power politics are also examined.

The Peace of Westphalia and Modern Diplomacy

The book comprehensively examines the significance of the 1648 Peace of Westphalia for modern international relations. The Westphalian system, based on the sovereignty of nation-states and the principle of the balance of power, became a turning point in the institutionalization of international relations. Sander evaluates the political effects of this era, including alliances among European states and evolving diplomatic concepts, from a historical perspective.

The Industrial Revolution and the Race for Empires

The nineteenth century was a period during which world politics underwent an economic and technological transformation due to the Industry Revolution. The book analyzes the political effects of the Industrial Revolution, the rise of nationalism in Europe, and the scramble for colonies. During this period, it thoroughly examines the imperial policies of major powers in Asia and Africa, the consequences of global economic competition, and how power balances shifted.

The Period Before World War I: The Struggle Among Great Powers

As the twentieth century approached, Sander examines the dynamics of world politics leading up to World War I. Alliance systems, imperialist policies, and diplomatic crises formed the core elements of this era. The book meticulously details the political tensions and rivalries among Europe’s great powers that underpinned the war. Political History: From Ancient Times to 1918 does not merely list historical events but analyzes the underlying dynamics and consequences of these events. The book serves as a foundational resource in the fields of international relations and political science.