Structure of World History

Kōjin Karatani is an internationally renowned theorist and philosopher. Previously, he was a professor at Hosei University in Tokyo, Kinki University in Osaka, and Columbia University. Among the dozens of books that he has written in Japanese, four have been translated into English: History and Repetition; Transcritique: Kant and Marx; Architecture as Metaphor: Language, Number, Money; and Origins of Modern Japanese Literature, which is also published by Duke University Press.

• Translator's Note viiAuthor's Preface to the English Translation ixPreface xiiiIntroduction. On Modes of Exchange 1Part I. Mini World Systems 291. The Sedentary Revolution 352. The Gift and Magic 50Part II. World-Empire 573. The State 634. World Money 815. World Empires 1046. Universal Religions 127Part III. The Modern World System 1577. The Modern State 1658. Industrial Capital 1829. Nation 20910. Associationism 228Part IV. The Present and the Future 26511. The Stages of Global Capitalism and Repetition 26712. Toward a World Republic 285Acknowledgments 309Notes 311Bibliography 339Index

“In place of a singular conception of development, Karatani envisions a truly world-historical perspective. Moreover, his unique approach to world history demonstrates the value of establishing a more constructive dialogue between philosophy, anthropology, sociology, economics and historical studies.” - Yamoi Pham (Journal of World Systems Theory) “The Structure of World History is a must-read for anybody who is interested in a universal master narrative being in search not only for power of resistance against this system but also for possible ways ‘to transcend the capitalist social formation from within’ (p. 291).” - Steffi Richter (H-Asia, H-Net Reviews) “Well argued, and with a highly approachable translation by Michael Bourdaghs, this work is both an excellent entry point for those unfamiliar with Karatani’s previous work, and an excellent continuation of the themes he has previously explored. By providing such an ambitious and innovative work, Karatani offers much to the fields of anthropology, sociology and historical study, as well as a starting point for theorists interested in the concept of mode D and the promises it contains.” - Wesley R. Bishop (Capital & Class)