Through a number of engaging and illuminating vignettes, The Slow Rise to a Global World guides students through over 500 years of world history, exploring both the lesser-known and common happenings that have shaped a more globalized world. Readers experience world history through a variety of viewpoints, cultures, and angles, encouraging them to critically examine major events—and their various interpretations—throughout the last several centuries.

Unit 1 covers the beginnings of our global world from 1300 to 1600, featuring readings that explore the Black Plague, the Ottoman Empire, the globalization of disease after 1450, and more. Unit 2 spans 1600 to 1900, following the rise of the Scientific Revolution, the Enlightenment, the Industrial Revolution, old and new colonialism, and nationalism. The final unit ushers students into the 1900s, with readings ranging in topic from the World Wars to the decolonialization and independence of Africa, concluding with the consequences of the Cold War on the globe.

The second edition features new readings that cover the history of epidemics and the fear that drives them, the "New World" and the history of Indigenous peoples and Europeans in early America, China's impact on the world since 1945, and the concept of modern warfare as discussed through the lens of the World Wars.

The Slow Rise to a Global World is an excellent resource for introductory courses in global affairs and world history.