Parts of history repeat, but parts change. At any given time, it is easy to say that “this time will be different”. On occasion, this is actually true.
I am just starting to build a list of changes that are both recent enough and profound enough to make historical analysis of related current situations erroneous (with approximate dates).
Again, I have just started compiling this list, so obvious things are probably missing and I haven’t given as much thought as I need to to what qualifies and what doesn’t. Additions and feedback are most welcome.
Most likely to qualify:
- globalization of information (Internet and satellite TV) (2000)
- global warming recognized as serious danger (2005)
Might or might not qualify:
- military leaders cease to be at risk personally during war (ca 1900?)
- nuclear weapons (1945)
Too new to understand properly:
- universal tradeability of economic risk
