The new edition of Western Civilization in World History offers a framework for understanding the West as a regional civilization within global contexts.

Designed for survey courses, the book facilitates discussions on the historical development of Western civ, its relationship to global trends, and its relevance to contemporary political and diplomatic issues, including European-US relations and ideological divides. The new edition introduces two major themes: the global power shift, marked by Europe's relative decline and the rise of Asian and Latin American actors, and the need to clarify identities amid rapid change, migration, and cultural globalization. It traces the evolution of Western civilization teaching traditions, its historical roots, and intersections with nationalism, Enlightenment ideals, and racial thinking. These themes encourage readers to critically engage with questions of belonging, civilizational boundaries, and values.

Accessible and compact, this book provides a foundation for exploring expansive historical perspectives and their connections to current events, making it an excellent companion to courses on Western Civilization and World History.

Peter N. Stearns is University Professor and Provost Emeritus at George Mason University, USA.