SOCIETIES, NETWORKS, AND TRANSITIONS connects the different regions of the world within and across chapters, and explores broader global themes in part-opening essays to show you world history in a truly global framework. The book also features a strong focus on culture and religion. Author Craig Lockard incorporates interesting notes about cultural artifacts in areas such as music and art. Chapter outlines with focus questions, section summaries, pronunciation guides, and marginal key term definitions support you as you explore the interconnectedness of different people, places, and periods in the global past.

Part I: SOCIETIES, NETWORKS, TRANSITIONS: ANCIENT FOUNDATIONS OF WORLD HISTORY, TO 600 B.C.E. 1. The Origins of Human Societies, to ca. 2000 B.C.E. 2. Ancient Societies in Mesopotamia, India, and Central Asia, 5000-600 B.C.E. 3. Ancient Societies in Africa and the Mediterranean, 5000-600 B.C.E. 4. Around the Pacific Rim: Eastern Eurasia and the Americas, 5000-600 B.C.E. Part II: SOCIETIES, NETWORKS, TRANSITIONS: THE CLASSICAL SOCIETIES AND THEIR LEGACIES, 600 B.C.E.- 600 C.E. 5. Classical Societies in Southern and Central Asia, 600 B.C.E.- 600 C.E. 6. Eurasian Connections and New Traditions in East Asia, 600 B.C.E.- 600 C.E. 7. Western Asia, the Eastern Mediterranean, and Regional Systems, 600-200 B.C.E. 8. Empires, Networks, and the Remaking of Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, 500 B.C.E.- 600 C.E. 9. Classical Societies and Regional Networks in Africa, the Americas, and Oceania, 600 B.C.E.-600 C.E. Part III: SOCIETIES, NETWORKS, TRANSITIONS: ENCOUNTERS AND TRANSFORMATIONS IN THE INTERMEDIATE ERA, 600 B.C.E.- 600 C.E. 10. The Rise, Power, and Connections of the Islamic World, 600-1500. 11. East Asian Traditions, Transformations, and Eurasian Encounters, 600-1500. 12. Expanding Horizons in Africa and the Americas, 600-1500. 13. South Asia, Central Asia, Southeast Asia, and Afro-Eurasian Connections, 600-1500. 14. Christian Societies in Medieval Europe, Byzantium, and Russia, 600-1500. Part IV: SOCIETIES, NETWORKS, TRANSITIONS: CONNECTING THE EARLY MODERN WORLD, 1450-1750. 15. Global Connections and the Remaking of Europe, 1450-1750. 16. New Challenges for Africa and the Islamic World, 1450-1750. 17. Americans, Europeans, Africans, and New Societies in the Americas, 1450-1750. 18. South Asia, Southeast Asia, and East Asia: Triumphs and Challenges, 1450-1750. Part V: SOCIETIES, NETWORKS, TRANSITIONS: GLOBAL IMBALANCES IN THE MODERN WORLD, 1750-1945. 19. Modern Transitions: Revolutions, Industries, Ideologies, Empires, 1750-1914. 20. Changing Societies in Europe, the Americas, and Oceania, 1750-1914. 21. Africa, the Middle East, and Imperialism, 1750-1914. 22. South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Colonization, 1750-1914. 23. East Asia and the Russian Empire Face New Challenges, 1750-1914. 24. World Wars, European Revolutions, and Global Depression, 1914-1945. 25. Imperialism and Nationalism in Asia, Africa, and Latin America, 1914-1945. Part VI: SOCIETIES, NETWORKS, TRANSITIONS: INTERDEPENDENCE AND CONFLICT IN THE CONTEMPORARY WORLD, SINCE 1945. 26. The Remaking of the Global System, Since 1945. 27. East Asian Resurgence, Since 1945. 28. Rebuilding Europe and Russia, Since 1945. 29. The Americas and the Pacific Basin: New Roles in the Contemporary World, Since 1945. 30. The Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, and New Conflicts in the Contemporary World, Since 1945. 31. South Asia, Southeast Asia, and Global Connections, Since 1945.