ABSTRACT

With the approach of the end of a century, (and a fortiori a millenium) apocalyptic thought has been the historical fashion, manifesting itself in theology, philosophy, literature and the arts. During the 1890s books that were entitled "The End of". were frequent. In Rise and Fall Professor Paul Kennedy ranged widely over many countries and historical periods. In his new book he casts his net even wider, dealing with the demographic explosion, global warming, biotech agriculture, air and water pollution, robotics, the globalization of finance, the impact of multinational corporations on developing countries and other such topics. The issues raised by Kennedy and the dangers invoked are all very real. Professor Kennedy can certainly not be accused of sensationalism: His book has been ridiculed by reviewers for the frequent "on one hand—on the other" and "it remains to be seen" approach and, generally speaking the constant hedging of bets.