日志
“The Portuguese Empire in Asia, 1500-1700"
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First published in 2012, ‘The Portuguese Empire in Asia, 1500-1700’ by Sanjay Subrahmanyam explores how Portugal built and maintained its Asian empire through political strategy, military force, and trade. Subrahmanyam examines the complex interactions with local societies and the lasting impact these relationships had on global history, offering a gripping narrative of the empire’s challenges, successes, and legacy.
Book Summary:
“The Portuguese Empire in Asia, 1500-1700 is a comprehensive analysis of the rise and decline of the Portuguese empire in Asia.
Subrahmanyam provides an in-depth exploration of how Portugal, a relatively small European power, established and maintained its far-reaching empire in Asia, focusing on the political strategies, military conflicts, and economic structures that shaped its colonial rule. The book also considers the complex relationships between the Portuguese and the local Asian societies, highlighting trade dynamics, religious interactions, and the administrative challenges faced by the empire.
Subrahmanyam adopts a comparative perspective, integrating both European and Asian viewpoints to offer a nuanced understanding of the empire’s operations and its broader global significance. This is not just a chronological history but an argument-driven narrative that critically examines the long-term impacts of the Portuguese presence in Asia, offering insight into both the successes and limitations of their imperial model.
For readers interested in colonial history, early modern empires, and global trade networks, this book serves as a key reference, making significant contributions to the study of European expansion and cross-cultural encounters during the 16th and 17th centuries.”
