The World Transformed: Modern Civilization Since 1648 is an innovative text that combines key topics in world history and western civilization. Rather than approaching history and civilization as a purely chronological study, the book considers the differing approaches to life and politics that prevailed at various times and in various places.

Beginning with the rise of the sovereign state, the 12 chapters explore intellectual transformation in 17th and 18th Century Europe, globalization and war in the early modern period, traditional East Asian states, Muslim empires, and the emergence of the nation-state. Students learn about political transformation and modernizing forces in the 19th Century, the modernization of warfare, and challenges to western modernity and the developing world.

The second edition features a greater focus on world history and new material that addresses contemporary issues and modern health crises such as the Ebola epidemic, AIDS crisis, and coronavirus pandemic. The text includes a new index to assist students with referencing materials and a redesigned interior.

Helping students better understand what it means to be a part of modern civilization and have a modern worldview, The World Transformed is well-suited to classes in world history, western or modern civilization, and the history of globalization.