What global history is and what it should be

Abstract

Globalization, as a historical phenomenon connected to the expansive phase of the last great technological revolution, has had, like other historical globalizations, an extraordinary impact, not only in the economic, social or political spheres but also in reference to epistemology of history. Global history is the adaptation of history, as an academic discipline, to the framework created by globalization. As in other previous periods of globalization, the imbalances and difficulties accumulated during the expansive phases are giving way to dis-globalizing processes. What approach should historical discipline propose to the latest events? Is global history a useful tool? We will follow the proposals and works of several authors in attempt of giving answer to these questions and, also, in an attempt to better understand the fit of global history at a time of backward of globalization.