Mongol Empire Was Eurasia's First Globalization Engine: Korean Scholar

The publication of 'The Cambridge History of the Mongol Empire' in Korean marks a significant milestone, not only for historical scholarship but also for South Korean academia's growing influence on the global stage. Professor Emeritus Kim Ho-dong's co-editorship of this monumental work, a first for a Korean scholar in the prestigious Cambridge History series, underscores a shift in historical perspectives, moving away from traditional Western-centric narratives.

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The Mongol Empire was so vast that it could not be dealt with as the history of a single nation. Considering its world-historical significance, I thought it would be good to include it in the 'Cambridge History Series.'

This ambitious project, spanning 15 years from conception to publication, offers a vital re-evaluation of the Mongol Empire. Instead of focusing solely on conquest and destruction, it highlights the empire's crucial role in fostering unprecedented levels of cultural exchange and interconnectedness across Eurasia, effectively laying the groundwork for the world's first era of globalization. This nuanced portrayal challenges long-held stereotypes and provides a more holistic understanding of the empire's lasting impact on world history.

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In the past 30 years, there has been a clear trend in academia to view the Mongol Empire as a single system and whole, and considerable research achievements have been accumulated.

From our perspective at Hankyoreh, the emphasis on the Mongol Empire as a 'Eurasian system' or 'federation' rather than a mere collection of successor states is particularly compelling. This approach dismantles the fragmented view often perpetuated by focusing on individual khanates and instead emphasizes the underlying unity and integrated nature of the empire, even after its political fragmentation. It acknowledges the complex dynamics of power, exchange, and shared governance that characterized this vast historical entity.

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Within the vast framework of the Mongol Empire, human exchange, cultural exchange, and the movement of goods were actively carried out. Only by looking at that can we understand what the Mongol Empire meant in the context of world history in the 13th and 14th centuries and what legacy it left for future generations.

This comprehensive re-examination is not just an academic exercise; it offers profound insights into the interconnectedness of civilizations and the complex legacies of imperial power. By presenting this work in Korean, we aim to make these critical historical perspectives accessible to a wider audience, encouraging a deeper understanding of global history beyond conventional frameworks and celebrating the contributions of Korean scholars to this vital field.

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In this book, we clearly stated that it was a transition to a federal system, not a division.