J.C. Sharman's Empires of the Weak: The True Story of European Expansion and the Making of a New World Order is a fresh perspective on the events surrounding the history of European colonialism. This is because the book challenges the traditional narrative of European dominance and offers a nuanced understanding of the factors that shaped the modern world.

In his book, Sharman, whose research focuses primarily on two themes: first, the regulation of global finance with international money laundering, and second, international relations in the early modern period, particularly in the context of European encounters with other civilizations and the development of empire and sovereignty, argues that the traditional account of European superiority in the military and technological spheres is oversimplified. Instead, he argues that European expansion was often the result of opportunistic alliances, local conflicts and the exploitation of existing power structures - a perspective that shifts the focus from European exceptionalism to a more complex interplay of global forces.

In reading Sharman's book, the author emphasizes that European powers often relied on local intermediaries and existing political structures to establish their own power. In this way, they were able to exert influence without ruling directly. Empires of the weak: A True History of European Expansion and the Emergence of the New World Order also emphasizes the economic drivers behind European expansion, such as trade and resource extraction, rather than purely ideological or religious motivations.

Sharman's work is commendable because it challenges the Eurocentric view of history and encourages the reader to reconsider long-held assumptions by presenting a more balanced perspective. The book draws on a wide range of carefully researched historical sources and case studies. This thorough approach lends credibility to Sharman's arguments. Despite its scholarly nature, the book is accessible and engaging. Sharman's clear writing style makes complex historical concepts comprehensible to a wide audience.

J.C. Sharman Empires of the Weak: The True Story of European Expansion and the Making of a New World Order is a valuable contribution to the disciplines of history and geopolitics. By challenging traditional narratives and adopting a more nuanced perspective, Sharman encourages readers to rethink their ideas about European expansion and its impact on the modern world.