Michael Adas is an American historian focusing on the history of technology, anticolonialism, and global history. His work explores the intricate connections between technological advancements and societal shifts, particularly within the context of decolonization. Adas's scholarship delves into how global power dynamics have been shaped by both technological innovation and resistance movements. His research offers a nuanced perspective on the interconnectedness of historical forces on a worldwide scale.
Focusing on the impact of European colonialism and the capitalist world economy, this collection of essays examines the significant changes and disruptions experienced by peasant societies. Originally published in 1998, the essays delve into the historical context and consequences of these transformations, providing insight into the complex dynamics between colonization and local communities.
Over the past five centuries, advances in Western understanding of and control over the material world have strongly influenced European responses to non- Western peoples and cultures. In Machines as the Measure of Men, Michael Adas explores the ways in which European perceptions of their scientific and technological superiority shaped their...
Focusing on the economic growth of Lower Burma, this award-winning study explores its transformation into the world's leading rice exporter. The paperback edition includes a new preface, enhancing its insights into the region's agricultural development and trade dynamics.
Exploring the cross-cultural study of ancient and classical civilizations, this volume emphasizes methodologies essential for comparative historical analysis, drawing from sociology, archaeology, linguistics, and anthropology. It features essays that examine interactions between agrarian and nomadic societies, highlighting their influence on economic development and cultural adaptation. The second section delves into regional patterns of idea and material culture dissemination. Authored by leading scholars, the book serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the complexities of human development in a global context.