BOOK REVIEW: Myths of Modern History: From the French Revolution to the 20th Century World Wars and the Cold War

Abstract

Jacques R. Pauwels’ Myths of Modern History offers a bold and accessible critique of the dominant narratives shaping our understanding of modern history, from the French Revolution to the present. As the culmination of the author’s acclaimed trilogy (The Great Class War 1914–1918, The Myth of the Good War, and Big Business and Hitler), this work provides a concise counter-history of twelve key events, analyzed in twelve chapters, that have helped define the modern world. Pauwels deconstructs myths perpetuated by the media, elites, and conventional historiography —myths that promote a sanitized and benevolent view of capitalism’s role. In doing so, he challenges readers to reconsider historical processes and their systemic causes.

Keywords

History, French Revolution

Citation

Klevis Kolasi, "Jacques R. Pauwels, Myths of Modern History: From the French Revolution to the 20th Century World Wars and the Cold War (Toronto, James Lorimer & Company Ltd. Publishers, 2022)" Uluslararası İlişkiler, Advanced Online Publication, 28 March 2025, pp. 1-4. DOI: 10.33458/uidergisi.1649419

Affiliations

Klevis KOLASI Associate Professor, Department of International Relations, Ankara University, Ankara E-Mail: [email protected] Orcid: 0000-0002-4278-4945